We wMeals and Snacks
We are a member of the USDA food program the Child and Adult Care Food Program
(CACFP). This is a federal program that provides reimbursement for healthy meals and
snacks served to children and infants as a regular part of our program. As a member we
are monitored regularly to ensure compliance. All families enrolled will receive paperwork
as part of our requirements for continued participation.
Does the center provide meals?
We provide Breakfast at 6am, AM snack at 9am, Lunch at 12pm, PM snack at 3pm, Dinner at 6pm, and a night time snack at 9pm for any children awake. There is no additional cost for meals; it is included in your tuition. All meals and snacks meet the USDA guidelines for a balanced meal.
Infants 12 months and younger must be served formula or breast milk. As a CACFP member, the center provides infant foods stage 1 and 2 and Parents Choice brand formula. Parents will need to provide formula and foods specific to their infants’ needs, if they cannot have those the center provides. All bottles and foods brought in must be labeled with your infant's name and date. It will be placed in your child’s food cubby.
What is served for snacks and meals?
Our center uses a 5 week rotating menu that offers a variety of foods for the children to enjoy. It includes seasonal fruits and vegetables and cultural foods as well. We had a nutritionist, Ms. Roxanne, assist with rewriting our menu for us to ensure it is even healthier! The menu is posted in the lobby near the entrance door to the lobby. Some of our items we serve include baked ham, baked sweet potatoes, Old McDonalds Chicken, Red Pozole, tacos, and Tabouleh. We have extra copies of our rotating menu for parents
available on our parent information board in the lobby as well.
What if my child has special dietary needs due to a picky eater, parent preferences, or allergies?
We do not allow outside or fast foods to be brought into the center. We provide all meals and snacks for the children while in care. We strongly encourage parents to take a copy of our menu, highlight any meals their child cannot have, return it to the center, and then provide foods and drinks they can have on those days. We will provide parents with the USDA guidelines, so parents know what items to pack to ensure healthy meals.
If your child is allergic to milk or has milk sensitivities, the center will provide approved CACFP alternative milk options such as lactose free options or Soy milk.
If your child does is vegetarian or there are parental preferences such as no meats due to religious reasons, the center will need a note from the parent stating the child's name, date of birth, what specifically they cannot have, and the reason. We are able to make accommodations within reason.
If your child has a peanut allergy, your child's entire classrooms meals and snacks will be prepared first using sunflower butter on days when peanut butter is on the menu to prevent cross contamination of peanuts.
If a child’s diet must be modified for health reasons, a physician’s written explanation on the child’s physical and on the CACFP form is required. With written documentation from the doctor, we provide alternate foods if a child is allergic to a food on the menu that day or if there are disability issues.
If your child is a picky eater, we are more than happy to serve our foods first to introduce new foods for them to try and then provide a backup meal the parent has provided if they do not eat ours.
Please Note: If your child has a food allergy or intolerance, please provide proper paperwork from the doctor, so we are aware of it and can supplement it appropriately. If there are specific parental preferences/religious reasons that prohibits your child from eating the foods the center offers, a meal from home will need to be sent to the center for your child. It will need to meet the USDA meal requirements. Please see the Director or your child's teacher for meal guidelines.
Can I breastfeed my baby at the center?
Yes!! Absolutely! We proudly support breastfeeding! You are also more than welcome to sit in the classrooms and talk with the teachers while you breastfeed if you choose or we will can provide you with a quiet space to do so in private.
**Our center is recognized by the Washington County Health Department and the Wood County Health Department as being a Breastfeeding friendly childcare center.**
Click here to learn more about your Breastfeeding rights
USDA CACFP Disclaimer
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
(1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Proving the fun, loving, educational care your child deserves!