Head Start provides meals that meet the minimum federal requirements
of one third to two thirds of their daily nutritional needs. The
nutritional assessment that is done initially on each child assists in
identifying and addressing their individual needs. Nutrition learning
experiences are included daily as a part of the program curriculum.
Head Start promotes sound physical, social and emotional development and realizes the important link between proper nutrition and the ability to learn. All children are assessed for nutritional inadequacies, and families then are given counseling as needed or wanted. Through the USDA Childcare Food Program, Head Start daily serves children nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Through community collaborations, families are provided with referrals to other nutrition resources as needed. Through on-going training opportunities, children, parents and staff are offered information aimed at developing life-long healthy food choices and eating habits.
Because health and nutrition activities are integrated into our daily program, we require that all children take advantage of the nutritious meals that are prepared for the centers. Meals provided may include breakfast and lunch. Children will receive an afternoon snack each day. We eat family-style, and children are encouraged to try new foods. The group experience is a positive one, and all children participate. Menus are posted monthly at each site and are available to take home.
Special meals will be prepared for children who have food allergies or dietary restrictions for health or religious reasons. Please speak with the staff if your child needs a restricted diet. Children who bring their breakfast, lunch and snack to school must have it labeled each day with the date because of sanitary regulations.
When a child has a birthday or is celebrating a cultural event, parents are welcome to provide a treat or cooking activity for each child in the classroom during the monthly celebration time. Kids Central, Inc. policy restricts this to once a month. Child Care Regulations require that these treats be store-bought and not home made. (We apologize for this inconvenience). Please arrange the date and time with your child’s teacher.
Head Start promotes sound physical, social and emotional development and realizes the important link between proper nutrition and the ability to learn. All children are assessed for nutritional inadequacies, and families then are given counseling as needed or wanted. Through the USDA Childcare Food Program, Head Start daily serves children nutritionally balanced meals and snacks. Through community collaborations, families are provided with referrals to other nutrition resources as needed. Through on-going training opportunities, children, parents and staff are offered information aimed at developing life-long healthy food choices and eating habits.
Because health and nutrition activities are integrated into our daily program, we require that all children take advantage of the nutritious meals that are prepared for the centers. Meals provided may include breakfast and lunch. Children will receive an afternoon snack each day. We eat family-style, and children are encouraged to try new foods. The group experience is a positive one, and all children participate. Menus are posted monthly at each site and are available to take home.
Special meals will be prepared for children who have food allergies or dietary restrictions for health or religious reasons. Please speak with the staff if your child needs a restricted diet. Children who bring their breakfast, lunch and snack to school must have it labeled each day with the date because of sanitary regulations.
When a child has a birthday or is celebrating a cultural event, parents are welcome to provide a treat or cooking activity for each child in the classroom during the monthly celebration time. Kids Central, Inc. policy restricts this to once a month. Child Care Regulations require that these treats be store-bought and not home made. (We apologize for this inconvenience). Please arrange the date and time with your child’s teacher.
Nutrition Services
Serving the Head Start Community Since 1965
