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.  

 

The following documents help childcare providers meet the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 (section 42 of Ont. Reg. 137/15) guidelines and promote supportive eating environments in childcare settings.   

• The Child Care Menu Planning – Practical Guide has been updated to help childcare providers ensure all meals, snacks, and beverages served in childcare settings meet healthy eating recommendations for children one year of age or older. 

• This resource is based on the guidance of Canada’s food guide, aligned with requirements set out by the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014 and referenced in the Ministry of Education’s Child Care Centre and Home Child Care Licensing Manuals. 

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  

• Food Allergy Canada   
• Common Food Allergen Substitutions   

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.   

• Nourishing Beginnings  

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.  

• Nuton Food Explorers Workshop