Nutrition

     Head Start's Nutrition program provides good nutrition as a way to good health. Emphasis is placed on nutrition education for parents and children.  Nutrition education is part of the daily preschool program. All children receive breakfast or snack and lunch, which meets USDA nutritional requirements and emphasizes "Five a Day" foods. A variety of nutritious foods, including ethnic meals, are served. Strict sanitary guidelines are followed in meal preparation and distribution.

      All children are served lunch at Head Start.  This meal meets a minimum of 1/3 of their daily nutritional, requirements. A registered dietitian supervises menus, monitors nutrition programs and does a nutritional observation in each classroom.

The children's meals are as follows:

Breakfast: In the morning, children are offered breakfast. If they have eaten at home, they may choose not to eat again.

Lunch: Children in morning classes eat lunch before they leave Head Start. Children attending afternoon classes eat lunch as soon as they arrive at Head Start. If they have eaten lunch at home they may choose not to eat again.

Snack:  Children in afternoon classes are offered a snack.

Meal
Components: The following are served, at each lunch...

6 ounces Fluid milk
1 to 1 1/2 ounces Meat, poultry, fish, or cheese
or 1 egg or 3/8 cooked dried beans or peas
or 3 tablespoons of peanut butter
1/2 cup, total Fruit, and/or vegetables
1/2 slice Bread or bread alternative(e.g. pasta, crackers)

The nutrition program meals...

……increase your child's experience with food--introduce new foods
……use meal time as a time for learning
……are a socializing experience in a relaxed atmosphere
……develop sound eating habits and help children learn good nutrition
……allow children to help prepare the foods
……encourage cultural pride through offering ethnic foods

     Meals at all sites are catered. Parents will receive a menu at the beginning of each month (look for it in your child's book bag).
     If your child has food allergies or is on a special diet, contact the Health and Nutrition Manager and alert the teaching staff.

We have a Regis Dietician on staff.

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