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Food and Menu Planning in Childcare Settings
Childcare settings are essential in providing children with supportive eating environments and play an important role in supporting children’s growth and development, health and well-being.
Menu Review Service
Childcare centres located in Haldimand and Norfolk Counties can have their menus reviewed by a Registered Dietitian at Grand Erie Public Health to ensure they are meeting the food and drink requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014. Menus can be submitted at any time during the year.
How to Get a Menu Reviewed
Fill out the Child Care Menu Submission Form and submit your menu(s) for review. Once your form is submitted, we will review and confirm details and timeline for review.
Resources to complement the Practical Guide:
- Modifying Recipes to Meet the Practical Guide – Practical tips to reduce sodium and sugar and increase whole grain content in recipes.
- Increasing the Use of Plant-based Proteins in Child Care Settings – Practical tips on how to choose, prepare and add more plant-based proteins to menus.
- Common Food Allergen Substitutions for Child Care Settings – Discover substitutions for common food allergens to accommodate children with allergies.
- Sample Menus – Sample four-week menu cycle that incorporates different foods to align with the 2019 Canada’s Food Guide
If you have any questions about menu planning or want support determining if your menu meets requirements, contact a public health dietitian at 519-426-6170 x 1111 or 905-318-6623.
Additional Information:
Nutrition for Healthy Term Infants (6-24 months)
Learn more about Health Canada’s recommendations on feeding infants and young children from 6-24 months.
Infant feeding and nutrition – Canada.ca
Information about Common Food Allergies
Online Nutrition Course for Child Care Providers
Nourishing Beginnings is a free online early childhood nutrition program for childcare providers to build confidence in early childhood nutrition.
Little Food Explorers Workshop for Child Care Providers
A free online workshop for childcare providers to help toddlers and preschoolers develop positive feelings about food and eating.