Meals & Nutrition

 NSW Health Department guidelines state that children's centres must provide children with at least 50% of their daily recommended nutrients in the form of safe and appetising foods if they are at the childcare service for at least 8 hours. When children are at the service for over 8 hours, additional food should be given such as late afternoon tea. Our Cook Catherine ensures that these nutritional requirements are met. An emphasis is put on whole foods with plenty of raw and cooked fruit and vegetables. We follow a low salt and reduced sugar diet along with the Good for Kids Good for Life munch and move program. The menu also incorporates food from a variety of cultures. The menu is based on a six week rotation covering all food groups.

Breakfast is available if required for early starters, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and late afternoon tea for late leavers, are all provided. Milk and water are offered at morning and afternoon tea, with water being available with lunch and all throughout the day.

What is the Good for Kids…Good for Life Munch and Move program?

Good for Kids is Australia’s largest ever program promoting healthy eating and physical activity for kids aged up to 18 years. Munch & Move is a NSW Health initiative that supports the healthy development of children from birth to five years by promoting physical activity, healthy eating, and reduced screen time. The program helps Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services embed health promoting, evidence-based policies and practices into their everyday routines, creating a strong foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. Many of our staff have attended specialised training in relation to the Nutrition and Physical Activity components of this program and all staff are aware of our centre’s Food and Nutrition and Physical Activity Programs.

By following the guidelines set down by this program we aim to promote a healthy lifestyle for children by providing food, food and nutrition education which is consistent with the National Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents, state regulations and food safety principles. These will be appropriate to the child’s age, cultural background, religion and/or medical needs.