Nutrition Program
Children need models rather than critics.
You are what you eat
We couldn’t agree more. This is why it is very important for us to have your child eat well - and be happy, healthy, and active. As a member of USDA The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) and Child Nutrition Program of Southern California (CNPSC), we provide nutritious meals and snacks to meet the needs of rapidly growing bodies and minds. We don’t serve fruit juice (too much sugar). We don’t serve fried foods. We don’t serve sugary snacks like graham crackers.
Instead, our meals and snacks include versions of kid favorites made with healthier ingredients, like whole grains, proteins to keep bellies full, plenty of fruits and vegetables - and low-fat, hormone-free milk.
At Lara Family Childcare, nutrition is about more than just the food on the plate. It’s an important part of our educational model. Called “Family style dining”, this approach builds an I-can-do-it-myself confidence and puts love on the table, along with good food. In other words, meals at Lara Family Childcare create strong classroom communities, provide opportunities to explore and experiment under professional supervision.
The learning doesn’t end at lunchtime, and our approach to nutrition is as thoughtful as our approach to reading, the arts, or anything else we teach, and we are proud of that!
After all, it takes a community of caring adults to raise a healthy eater!
Instead, our meals and snacks include versions of kid favorites made with healthier ingredients, like whole grains, proteins to keep bellies full, plenty of fruits and vegetables - and low-fat, hormone-free milk.
At Lara Family Childcare, nutrition is about more than just the food on the plate. It’s an important part of our educational model. Called “Family style dining”, this approach builds an I-can-do-it-myself confidence and puts love on the table, along with good food. In other words, meals at Lara Family Childcare create strong classroom communities, provide opportunities to explore and experiment under professional supervision.
The learning doesn’t end at lunchtime, and our approach to nutrition is as thoughtful as our approach to reading, the arts, or anything else we teach, and we are proud of that!
After all, it takes a community of caring adults to raise a healthy eater!
Here’s a taste of a weekly menu
AM Snack
- Oatmeal & peaches
- Whole grains cereal & milk
- Soft omelet & pear slices
- Barley porridge & blueberries
- Whole grain pancakes & fresh fruit
Lunch
- Soup with meatballs
- Alphabet vegetable soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Beef vegetable soup
- Brown rice fish soup
Afternoon Snack
- Bananas & low-sugar yogurt
- Celery sticks & sliced cucumber
- Sliced apple & cheese cubes
- Baby carrots & fresh broccoli
- Cut grapes & strawberries
Dinner
- Beef stew & mashed potato
- Chicken breast & brown rice
- Baked turkey meatballs & quinoa
- Bake fish & green beans
- Whole grain pasta & chicken meatballs
* We provide fresh vegetables on a side with every meal.
** We served soup almost every day.
*** We always provide a vegetarian option.
**** We take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s allergies or food sensitivities.
- Oatmeal & peaches
- Whole grains cereal & milk
- Soft omelet & pear slices
- Barley porridge & blueberries
- Whole grain pancakes & fresh fruit
Lunch
- Soup with meatballs
- Alphabet vegetable soup
- Chicken noodle soup
- Beef vegetable soup
- Brown rice fish soup
Afternoon Snack
- Bananas & low-sugar yogurt
- Celery sticks & sliced cucumber
- Sliced apple & cheese cubes
- Baby carrots & fresh broccoli
- Cut grapes & strawberries
Dinner
- Beef stew & mashed potato
- Chicken breast & brown rice
- Baked turkey meatballs & quinoa
- Bake fish & green beans
- Whole grain pasta & chicken meatballs
* We provide fresh vegetables on a side with every meal.
** We served soup almost every day.
*** We always provide a vegetarian option.
**** We take care to not serve common allergens and can adapt menus based on your child’s allergies or food sensitivities.
