Breakfast, Lunch and Snack Programs:

  • Provide at least two-thirds of a child's daily nutritional needs and meet the requirements of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
  • Serve breakfast to children that are nutritious, offering a variety of food according to their cultural preferences.
  • Increase a child's experience with food by introducing a variety of new foods.
  • Mealtimes are a time for learning and socializing in a relaxed atmosphere.
  • Develop sound eating habits and help children learn about healthy nutrition.
  • Snacks are provided daily.

To achieve these goals:

  • The Food Service Staff surveys eating habits of Head Start families.
  • Children are encouraged to taste all foods, but not forced to eat.
  • Meals are served family style.
  • Children learn self-help skills by setting the table for meals, serving themselves, and cleaning up after their meal.
  • Children learn about food and nutrition through cooking projects and nutrition lessons and activities.

 

  • Parents who volunteer in the classroom are invited to share in family style meals with the children.
  • Menus are posted in the classroom and sent home monthly (in English and Spanish). Special accomodations are made for children with food allergies or other special needs or preferences.

School Lunch CACFP Guidelines

for Children 3 - 4 Years Old.

Meal Pattern is the minimum a child must receive.  Children are allowed seconds if they so choose.

Protein

One serving of 1 ½ oz. of lean meat, poultry, cheese, eggs, dried beans and peas.

Grains

One serving of bread, biscuit, roll, tortilla, rice, macaroni (pasta), or whole grain.

Vegetables and Fruits

½ of two or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables.

Dairy

One serving, ¾ cup