The LSU Child Care Center aims at providing children with nutritious snacks and meals, while establishing good eating habits that nurture healthy development and promote life-long wellbeing. Staff and families work together to exchange information regarding family eating patterns, introduction of new foods, food intolerances and preferences, special dietary requirements for each child, and the feeding requirements of infants, toddlers, and children with special needs.
Nutritious afternoon snacks and daily breakfast and hot lunch are provided for each child. The Center strives to avoid sugar, food additives, and preservatives. Meal patterns, food components, and serving sizes are in accordance with the guidelines as set forth by the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) of the United States Department of Agriculture. Menus are posted on the bulletin board in the foyer and are available upon request. Children who are 12 months and older will be provided breakfast and lunch with whole milk. A snack with milk, juice or water will be provided after nap time. Children over the age of 12 months have access to tap water at any time of the day through the sink.
Food is never used as punishment or reward. Each child is encouraged to eat or taste his or her food. Sufficient time shall be allowed for each child to eat. As developmentally appropriate, opportunities will be provided for the involvement of children in food-related activities or cooking labs.
Food items are not to be brought into the Center at any time. Exceptions are granted for special occasions such as birthdays and holiday parties. Candy, chips, gum, cookies, cake, and other ‘junk food’ are not appropriate at the LSU Child Care Center. Any food brought into the Center must be approved and coordinated with your child’s teacher and/or a member of the Center administration. Food products must be commercially purchased, not home-made.
The following food items in any form are prohibited in all circumstances:
- peanuts
- nuts
- peanut butter