Nutrition and Eating

Child care providers have an important role in helping children develop a healthy relationship with food, and exposing them to a variety of different foods. Since kids eat about half their meals and snacks at child care, it’s a great chance to help them try new foods and learn healthy habits. How you approach feeding and mealtimes is also just as important as what you offer.

What foods should I serve?

Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) have developed resources to support child care providers in planning and preparing meals and snacks that meet healthy eating recommendations. These resources help providers meet the food and drink requirements set out in the Child Care and Early Years Act: section 42 of Ont. Reg. 137/15 and help to create a positive and supportive eating environment.

Here are some useful resources:

• Child Care Menu Planning Practical Guide – Tips for planning menus, choosing foods, and amounts to serve.
• Responsive Feeding in Child Care – How to support kids’ hunger and fullness cues.
• Sample Menus
• Modifying Recipes to Meet the Guide – Easy ways to adjust recipes
• Plant-Based Protein Tips – How to add more plant-based proteins.
• Food Allergen Substitution – Safe swaps for common allergens.

For questions about food and eating in child care, email the Healthy Eating team.