As part of our licensing requirements, we monitor and educate the children and families in our care about nutrition and healthy foods. Well-balanced meals provide the nourishment children need to grow, think, fight infection, and fuel their bodies. We'd like to provide a reminder regarding our school nutritional guidelines and some ideas for healthy lunches.
Our Plate Model
Please follow the Plate Model when packing your child's lunch for school. It is important to include at least one source of protein and one source of vegetables in each lunch. Please attempt to prepare fresh meals to the best of your ability and refrain from using highly processed or pre-packaged foods.
Please do not pack products with excessive added sugars such as candy, cookies with sugar coating, juices, sodas, or other products with high added sugar content.
Allergy Note
Please replace any nut products with sunflower seed butter or another non-nut substitute to keep our classrooms safe for all children.
Lunch Ideas by Age
Toddlers (14 months – 3 years):
- Soft cooked vegetables + soft protein (shredded chicken, soft beans, scrambled egg)
- Whole grain toast + avocado or hummus
- Banana slices + sunflower seed butter + whole grain crackers
- Soft cheese cubes + cucumber rounds + whole grain pasta
Primary & Kindergarten (3–6 years):
- Whole grain wrap + turkey or chicken + lettuce + mild cheese
- Brown rice + black beans + roasted vegetables
- Soup in a thermos + whole grain bread
- Quinoa salad + chickpeas + chopped veggies
- Hard-boiled eggs + raw veggies + fruit
Hydration
Please send your child with water in a reusable bottle. We encourage water throughout the day and have filtered water available at both campuses. Please avoid juice boxes and flavored drinks.