Food and Nutrition Policy

The Centre provides a nutritionally balanced menu that incorporates all of the 5 major food groups. All menus are developed using the Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents in Australia produced by the NHMRC. The Centre in conjunction with the educators, cook, Management Committee and other interested parents, plan a 4 week rotating menu, taking into consideration seasonal variations in the availability of food items. The menu is displayed in the Centre foyer.

The amount of food needed each day varies with the age, size and activity level of the child. Children are encouraged to try new foods regularly, including different colours, textures, flavours and aromas. Food is not used as a reward, incentive or for comfort.

Water is available for children to consume at all times during indoor and outdoor activities. Cooled boiled water is made available to children less than 12 months. No drink other than water is to be brought into the Centre.

The Centre provides:

  • breakfast for children before 8am
  • morning tea
  • lunch
  • afternoon tea
  • late afternoon snack

Nutrition policies and menus:

Daily Nutrition

We will always ensure that children are provided with at least fifty per cent of the recommended daily intake which is equal to:

Food GroupMinimum number of servesEquivalent amount of food
Milk and milk alternatives3300 mls
Bread and cereals260 grams
Fruit1150 grams
Vegetables175 grams
Meat and meat alternatives145 grams
Fats and oils1.57 grams
children doing experiment