Meals and Snacks

Children begin their day with breakfast and a morning snack provided from home by parents. This allows families to meet their child’s individual preferences, dietary needs, and cultural food choices.

The centre provides lunch and an afternoon snack each day. Meals and snacks are designed to meet children’s nutritional needs and follow the recommendations of the Canadian Food Guide.

Our meal program follows a two-week rotating seasonal menu, and the monthly menu is shared with families at the beginning of each month so parents can review upcoming meals.

Meals are prepared by a reputable food service company and delivered fresh and warm to the centre each day, ensuring consistent quality and proper food safety standards. Because meals are prepared by a third-party provider, the centre cannot guarantee that meals are completely allergen-free. For children with food sensitivities or allergies, parents may be asked to provide food from home to ensure their child’s safety.

Healthy Food Choices

Meals and snacks served at the centre are nutritious and minimally processed. Foods offered typically include three to four food groups, supporting balanced nutrition for growing children.

Afternoon snacks often include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables to encourage healthy eating habits and expose children to different flavours and textures.

Children are provided with whole milk after lunch or as needed, and fresh drinking water is available throughout the day and offered before and after meals.

Mealtime Environment

Educators sit with children during meals and snacks to create a calm, relaxed, and social environment where children can enjoy their food.

During mealtimes, educators:

• Model healthy eating behaviours
• Encourage children to try new foods
• Engage children in conversations about healthy food choices
• Use books, songs, and discussions to reinforce positive eating habits

Children are encouraged to develop independence during meals by self-feeding, using utensils, helping set tables, and assisting with clean-up.

Food is never used as a reward, punishment, or comfort tool.

Allergies and Special Dietary Needs

The centre accommodates children with food allergies, intolerances, or special dietary requirements whenever possible.

All allergies are documented in the child’s records and clearly posted in the kitchen and classroom areas so staff are aware of the child’s needs.

Parents must provide a detailed allergy care plan or emergency action plan, including required medications such as an EpiPen, when applicable.

If a child consumes a food that may cause an allergic reaction, staff will immediately follow the child’s emergency care plan.

Food Safety and Hygiene

All staff receive basic food safety and food handling training. Food is cut into appropriate sizes to reduce choking hazards, and children are always supervised during meals.

Proper handwashing before and after eating is practiced to maintain a clean and hygienic eating environment.

Nut Awareness

Newleaf Learning & Childcare Centre does not serve or allow nuts in foods prepared at the centre. However, because children may arrive with food residue on clothing or personal belongings, the centre cannot guarantee that the environment is completely nut-free.

The centre reserves the right to refuse care if a child’s severe food allergy cannot be safely supported within the program environment.

At Newleaf Learning & Childcare Centre, we strive to create a positive food environment where children learn to enjoy nutritious meals, explore healthy foods, and develop lifelong healthy eating habits.