NUTRITION GUIDELINES
Kids’ Company follows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for meals and snacks with the assistance of the CACFP. The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) is a federal program that provides reimbursements for nutritious meals and snacks to eligible children and adults who are enrolled for care at participating child care centers, day care homes, and adult day care centers. Hot Lunches are contracted through Premier Kitchen Inc. Kids’ Company takes steps to ensure food safety in its provision of meals and snacks.
Kids’ Company staff work hard to assure that meal/snack times are a relaxed and enjoyable part of the day. Routine meal/snack times provide nourishment as well as social activity and conversation. Children learn to eat independently and are encouraged to try new foods, staying at the table, and bussing dishes at the end of the meal. The program documents compliance and any corrections with policies, procedures and menu planning that have been made according to the recommendation of Premier Kitchen.
USDA REQUIREMENTS
USDA requires the 5 food components listed below. USDA approved snacks include 2 of the 5 and meals must include all 5 food components.
- Milk:Whole Milk for children 12-24 mo
- 1% Milk for children 25 mo -12 yrs
- Meat/Meat alternative: Lean meat, poultry or fish, cheese, eggs, cooked dry beans or peas
- Vegetable: Pasteurized full-strength juice may only be used to meet the vegetable or fruit for 1 meal or snack a day.
- Fruit: a vegetable may be used to meet the fruit requirement
- Grain: Whole grain biscuit, bread, roll, muffin or pasta.
LUNCH
Lunch is included for children enrolled in Caring Hands Toddler and 3 year old preschool age care. Families are able to sign up for the upcoming week, the week prior. Consistent Schedule or Pick Your Day Contracts are available for registration on wm.ce.eleyo.com.
If a child does not bring a lunch, Kids’ Company will provide a basic cold lunch at a daily rate fee.
SNACKS AND MEALS
Kids' Company provides a breakfast/morning snack between 6:45 and 8:00 am and an afternoon snack between 2-4 pm daily for children who are able to eat table food. Kids' Company contracts with Premier Kitchen to provide USDA approved meals and snacks.
SEE MEALS & SNACKS FOR MORE INFORMATION AND MENUS.
