At your child care program, mealtime is one of the most important parts of the schedule for the children in your care. Whether it is a light snack or a planned meal, what children eat is very important to their overall health and development.
During the children’s day, all nutritional needs must be met and state-regulated guidelines followed. Maryland EXCELS’ commitment to high-quality care includes carefully considering that nutritious snacks and meals are served. 

 

Nutrition Policy

A nutrition policy outlines the commitment to offering healthy food options for children. It also informs families how you prioritize their child’s health. There are many factors that influence the requirements and components of your nutrition policy. 

 

When creating a nutrition policy, it is important to identify specific components:  

  • Who is responsible for providing food while the child is in care (parents or child care program?)
  • Types of food provided by program
  • Limits on fatty, sugary, and salty foods.
  • Types of food permitted to come from home.
  • How your program monitors food sent from home.
  • How your program supplements with additional healthy options, as needed.
  • Steps to accommodate allergies and other dietary restrictions.
  • Handling of food brought for special occasions like birthdays or other celebrations.
  • Other food policies that are relevant to your program and the children enrolled. For example, the location of food service and how food is stored.

 

Weekly Menu

A weekly menu details the meals and snacks offered in your program. The menu serves as a resource to child care providers to plan and implement daily choices for meals and snacks. For families, it is a visual aid to show the variety of foods offered and to allow the identification of potential allergens or any other dietary concerns. A varied and well-planned menu also provides children with the opportunity to try new foods. A balanced menu in child care encourages children and families to adopt healthy choices at home. 

 

 

When creating a weekly menu consider these important components:

    • The variety, serving sizes, and nutritional content of all food and beverages provided.
  • Clear labeling of the fresh fruits/vegetables and whole grains offered.
  • Limited offering of fatty, sugary and salty foods. 

 

 

 

A nutrition policy and weekly menu helps the provider, families and children to learn about healthy eating habits.

Tips!