Child Care Nutrition - Boy Serving Himself Cheesy Crackers

Child Care Nutrition

Good nutrition is vital to children's learning and physical development. Our child care nutrition policies support the development of good eating habits that will last a lifetime.

Nutrition at Amy & Kids Co.

Many children eat more meals at child care than at home, so providing nutritious meals and snacks is an important part of quality care. Amy & Kids Co. takes nutrition seriously, offering balanced meals and snacks while following CACFP requirements.

Child eating lunch at the table

Nutritious Meals and Snacks

A wide variety of nutritionally balanced, high-quality foods are freshly prepared and served each day.

  • Meals feature plenty of fresh, in-season produce and whole grains
  • Organic and "natural" foods are served whenever possible
  • Processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, and trans fats are avoided
  • Meals are served family style; children serve themselves a little of each food offered
  • Weekly menus have been reviewed by a dietitian and are carefully planned to support children's nutrition
  • A four-week rotation of menus changes seasonally to provide the children with a balance of variety and familiarity

Nutrition Supported by the Food Program

The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) helps child care programs provide nutritious meals and snacks that meet established nutrition standards.

I have been a member of the CACFP since 1996, and use their requirements as a minimum standard for the meals I provide. Our Breakfast meets CACFP requirements for AM Snack, Lunch meets Lunch requirements, and PM Snack meets Dinner requirements, though I continue to refer to them as Breakfast, Lunch, and Snack in our daily routine.

CACFP Nutrition Requirements

Children two and older are served meals and snacks consisting of the following components. Infants have separate requirements based on age and development.

Breakfast (any 2)
Whole or 1% Milk
Meat or Protein
Bread or Grains
Fruit or Vegetable

Lunch
Whole or 1% Milk
Meat or Protein
Bread or Grains
Fruit & Vegetable

PM Snack
Whole or 1% Milk
Meat or Protein
Bread or Grains
Fruit & Vegetable

Food Allergies and Special Diets

Food allergies are becoming more common among infants and young children. I am experienced in reading ingredient lists to identify allergens. If your child has non-allergy dietary restrictions I can make reasonable accommodations to meet their needs.

They Ate It for Amy

"My children were exposed to many foods that we did not normally offer at home. And of course they ate it for Amy where they never would for me." ~ Lainie

Child serving himself food at the table

Weekly Menus

Our menus provide excellent nutrition with a wide variety of foods and are planned around the preferences, ages, and developmental stages of the children currently in care.

CACFP Statements

The CACFP requires child nutrition programs to be inclusive of all participants in any child nutrition program. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Child Wellness

Our wellness policy covers nutrition, physical activity, screen time, and other practices that support children's overall health and well-being.