The center participates in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child Care Food Program. Participation ensures that the meals provided meet or exceed the federal standards for well balanced and nutritious meals. Menus are based in these guidelines and are posted in the center on the parent bulletin board in the reception area, by this kitchen door, in the classrooms.
The program offers breakfast, catered lunch, and afternoon snack. Lunches are catered by an outside contractor and are approved by a USDA dietician to ensure that they are meeting the USDA nutrition guidelines. Meals are served family-style. Food is placed on the tables and children are encouraged, or assisted by the teacher, to serve themselves. The teachers sit with the children to model eating and fine motor skills (trying new foods, using utensils, pouring, etc.) and social skills (taking turns, passing food, saying please and thank you, etc.). This practice ensures that learning continues through quiet and relaxed interactions between the teacher and children.
