By the end of this chapter, you should be able to:
Outline the meal patterns for infants and children.
Create nutritious menus that follow the meal patterns.
Describe factors to consider when menu planning.
Identify a variety of sources of food for each food group.
Examine individual and cultural food preferences.
Explain special considerations for planning vegetarian menus.
Discuss the benefits of family style meal service.
Relate ways to support families in providing well-balanced foods from home.
Licensing Regulations
Title 22 Regulations that relate to this chapter include:
101227
FOOD
SERVICE
Food
selection,
storage
preparation,
and
service
shall
be
safe
and
healthful and of the quality and quantity necessary to meet the needs of
children.
Full-day programs shall offer a midmorning and midafternoon snack and lunch (may be provided by the family).
Half-day programs shall offer a midmorning or midafternoon snack.
Menus must be in writing and posted at least one week in
advance.
Commercial food shall be approved by appropriate authorities.
All persons engaged in food preparation or service shall observer personal hygiene and sanitation processes.
Pesticides and similar toxic substances must not be stored with
food.
Soaps and cleaning compounds must be stored separately from
food.
Kitchens and food areas shall be
clean.
All food shall be protected against
contamination.
Necessary equipment includes a sink, refrigeration, hot and cold running water, and storage space. This equipment must be well
maintained.
101427
INFANT CARE FOOD SERVICE
In addition to 101227, the following shall apply:
-
Bottles, dishes, and food containers brought from infant’s home shall be labeled with infant’s name and current date.
-
Formula partially consumed in a bottle shall be discarded at end of each day.
-
Food shall be discarded if not consumed within 72 hours of date on the container label.
-
Commercially prepared baby food in jars shall be transferred to a dish before being fed to the infant. Any food left over in the dish at the end of a meal shall be discarded.
-
Bottles and nipples in center shall be sterilized.
-
Infants shall not be bathed in, and diapers or clothing shall not be rinsed in the food preparation area.
101438.1
INFANT CARE GENERAL
SANITATION
Each caregiver shall wash his/her hands with soap and water before feeding and after each diaper
change.
Introduction
Knowledge of menu planning is essential to providing appropriate nutrition to young children. Early care and education programs must have staff who plan and prepare food that are aware of individual preferences, including vegetarianism, and cultural and religious differences in food choice, preparation, and service.
Menu Planning
Let’s examine several factors that are important for menu planning, including the meal patterns, licensed programs must follow, the importance of variety and balance, and aesthetics.
Meal Patterns
In the state of California, licensing requires programs to follow the meal plan requirements of the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the Healthy Beverages in Child Care Act. Both of these were introduced in Chapter 12. To review, here are the breakfast meal patterns for infants and children.
Breakfast
Table 15.1 – Infant Breakfast Meal Patterns
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Meal or snack
0-5 Months
6-11 Months
Breakfast
4-6 fl oz breastmilk or formula
6-8 fl oz breastmilk or formula
0-4 tbsp infant cereal, meat, fish, poultry, whole eggs, cooked dry beans or peas; or 0-2 oz cheese; or 0-4 oz (volume) cottage cheese; or 0-4 oz yogurt; or a combination*
0-2 tbsp vegetable, fruit or both*
Solid foods are required when the infant is ready. All serving sizes are minimum quantities of the food components that are required to be served.
Table 15.2 – Breakfast Meal Pattern for Children
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Meal or snack
Food Item
1-2 Years
3-5 Years
6-18 Years
Breakfast
Milk
½ cup whole
¾ cup low-fat or fat-free
1 cup low-fat or fat-free
Vegetables, fruit, or both
¼ cup
½ cup
½ cup
Grains
½ ounce equivalent
½ ounce equivalent
1 ounce equivalent
Here is what breakfasts that follow the meal pattern might look like:
Pause to Reflect
Create your own breakfasts that follow the meal plan for each age.
Lunch
And here are the lunch meal patterns for infants and children:
Table 15.3 – Infant Lunch Meal Patterns
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Meal or snack
0-5 Months
6-11 Months
Lunch or Supper
4-6 fl oz breastmilk or formula
6-8 fl oz breastmilk or formula
0-4 tbsp infant cereal, meat, fish, poultry, whole eggs, cooked dry beans or peas; or 0-2 oz cheese; or 0-4 oz (volume) cottage cheese; or 0-4 oz yogurt; or a combination*
0-2 tbsp vegetable, fruit or both*
Solid foods are required when the infant is ready. All serving sizes are minimum quantities of the food components that are required to be served
Table 15.4 – Lunch Meal Pattern for Children
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Meal or snack
Food Item
1-2 Years
3-5 Years
6-18 Years
Lunch or Supper
Milk
½ cup whole
¾ cup low-fat or fat-free
1 cup low-fat or fat-free
Meat and meat alternative
1 ounce
1½ ounces
2 ounces
Vegetables
1/8 cup
¼ cup
½ cup
Fruits
1/8 cup
¼ cup
¼ cup
Grains
½ ounce equivalent
½ ounce equivalent
1 ounce equivalent
Here is what breakfasts that follow the meal pattern might look like:
Pause to Reflect
Create your own lunches that follow the meal plan for each age.
Snacks
And finally, here are the meal patterns for snacks for infants and children:
Table 15.5 – Infant Snack Meal Patterns
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Meal or snack
0-5 Months
6-11 Months
Snack
4-6 fl oz breastmilk or formula
2-4 fl oz breastmilk or formula
0-½ bread slice; or 0-2 crackers; or 0-4 tbsp infant cereal or ready-to-eat cereal*
0-2 tbsp vegetable, fruit or both*
Solid foods are required when the infant is ready. All serving sizes are minimum quantities of the food components that are required to be served.
Table 15.6 – Snack Meal Pattern for Children
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Meal or snack
Food Item
1-2 Years
3-5 Years
6-18 Years
Snack
(choose 2 of the options)
Milk
½ cup whole
½ cup low-fat or fat-free
1 cup low-fat or fat-free
Meat and meat alternative
½ ounce
½ ounce
1 ounce
Vegetables
½ cup
½ cup
¾ cup
Fruits
½ cup
½ cup
¾ cup
Grains
½ ounce equivalent
½ ounce equivalent
1 ounce equivalent
Best practice: Make at least 1 of the 2 required components of a snack a vegetable or a fruit.
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Here are some snacks that follow the meal pattern:
Pause to Reflect
Create your own snacks that follow the meal plan for each age.
Factors to consider
Menu planning principles include aesthetics, and variety, including color, texture, flavors, shapes, and sizes of food, cost, balance, and nutritional quality, The availability of equipment and staff knowledge and skill to prepare the foods on menus are also important considerations in planning the menu. Along with all of these, an effective menu also considers cost.
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Aesthetics and Variety
How our food is presented, along with texture, consistency, color, shape, and the preparation method, influences how we feel and what we think about a menu. It can even influence our appetite and our interest in eating.
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Select nutritious foods that are contrasting colors and textures. This adds to the visual and chewing appeal. Try to vary the colors of the foods being served. Avoid serving foods that are all one color. For example, select a green, soft vegetable (spinach), a red, crunchy fruit (an apple), and colorful, chewy wild rice to go along with a piece of chicken and a glass of milk. This lends visual and chewing appeal as the children can see different colors and feel different textures as they chew.
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Pause to Reflect
Go back and look at the samples. How well do you think they did with creating meals and snacks that offered variety and were visually appealing? What about the versions you created?
Cost
While well-balanced nutrition should never be sacrificed to save money, early care and education programs must also consider the costs of the menus they plan. One way to save costs is to use cycle menus. A cycle menu follows a particular pattern and repeats on a regular basis. The length of the cycle can vary, but may be 4-6 weeks long and can be different lengths for different meals/snacks (for instance, with breakfast repeating more often than lunches). And they can be updated as needed to include new foods or make other accommodations.
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Cycle menus allow a program to forecast costs, order in bulk, and reduce waste (with tried and tested menus). Cycle menus are often planned seasonally so an operation might have a spring, summer, and fall/winter cycle.
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And buying produce seasonally is often more affordable.
Nutrition and Balance
The most important consideration for menu planning is that it meets children’s nutritional needs. The meals and snacks provided by full-day early care and education program should provide a substantial portion of a child’s daily nutrition. All programs should be supporting children’s well–balanced diet, in which all the nutrients the body needs for proper functioning and energy are taken in. A well-balanced diet contains a variety of foods from all the food groups, as well as all the necessary vitamins and minerals we need. It also means taking in an adequate supply of water for adequate health. A well-balanced diet can be planned by selecting healthy foods from each of the food groups.
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Food Groups
Let’s look at each of the food groups a bit more closely and identify sources for each.
Dairy Group
All fluid milk products and many foods made from milk are considered part of this food group. Foods made from milk that retain their calcium content are part of the group. Foods made from milk that have little to no calcium, such as cream cheese, cream, and butter, are not. Calcium-fortified soymilk (soy beverage) is also part of the Dairy Group.
When choosing dairy, fat-free and low-fat dairy are good options for children.
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Sources of dairy include:
Milk (low fat, fat-free, whole)
Lactose-free and lactose-reduced milk
Yogurt
Pudding
Ice cream
Frozen yogurt
Calcium-fortified
soy milk
Hard cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, swiss, parmesan)
Soft cheeses (ricotta, cottage cheese)
Calcium-fortified juices and cereals
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Tips for Serving the Dairy Group for Children
Serve unflavored, fat-free, and low-fat milks most often. They have less added sugar and fewer calories than flavored, whole, or reduced-fat milk.
Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese provide much needed calcium. Try making a dip for fruits or vegetables from yogurt.
Blend dairy into smoothies. Combine low-fat or fat-free yogurt with bananas and cocoa powder for a smoothie, or try milk, ice cubes, and frozen berries.
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Protein Group
All foods made from meat, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, processed soy products, nuts, and seeds are considered part of the Protein Foods Group. Select a variety of protein foods to improve nutrient intake and health benefits, including cooked seafood. Meat and poultry choices should be lean or low-fat.
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Choose a variety of protein foods such as seafood, beans, lean meats, poultry, and eggs.
Limit highly processed poultry, fish, or meat (like hotdogs, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks). Even some “reduced-fat” meats and cold cuts, like sausage, bologna, and salami, may be high in saturated fat and sodium.
Add beans to children's favorite foods. Add beans and peas to tacos, casseroles, stews, pastas, and side dishes.
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Fruit Group
Any fruit or 100% fruit juice counts as part of the Fruit Group. Fruits may be fresh, canned, frozen, or dried, and may be whole, cut-up, or pureed.
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Intake of fruit juice should be limited to no more than once a day.
Sources of fruit include:
Apples
Apricots
Bananas
Blueberries
Cantaloupe
Cherries
Fruit juices (100% fruit juice, all varieties)
Grapefruit
Grapes
Kiwi
Lemons
Limes
Mangoes
Nectarines
Oranges
Papayas
Peaches
Pears
Pineapples
Plums
Raisins
Raspberries
Strawberries
Watermelon
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Tips for Serving the Fruit Group for Children
Focus on whole fruits
Serve a rainbow of choices. Fruit can be a quick and easy way to make meals and snacks healthier and more colorful.
Choose from fresh, frozen, canned, and dried fruits. Purchase canned fruit in water or 100% fruit juice instead of syrup.
Limit fruit juice. While 100% fruit juice can be part of a healthy diet, it does not contain the dietary fiber found in other forms of fruit.
Offer raisins or other unsweetened dried fruit instead of chewy fruit snacks or strips, which usually contain very little fruit.
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Vegetable Group
Any vegetable or 100% vegetable juice counts as a member of the Vegetable Group. Vegetables may be raw or cooked; fresh, frozen, canned, or dried/dehydrated; and may be whole, cut-up, or mashed. Based on their nutrient content, vegetables are organized into 5 subgroups: dark-green vegetables, starchy vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas, and other vegetables. While it is not necessary to eat vegetables from each subgroup daily, over the course of a week, vegetables from each subgroup should be eaten to reach ensure the daily intake recommendation of the different vitamins is met.
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2
Sources of vegetables include:
Artichokes
Asparagus
Bok choy
Broccoli
Celery
Collard greens
Corn
Cucumbers
Green lima beans
Green peas
Lettuce
Kale
Mushrooms
Mustard greens
Onions
Peppers (green, red, orange, yellow)
Potatoes
Spinach
Squash (all varieties)
Sweet potatoes
Taro
Tomatoes
Turnip greens
Water chestnuts
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Tips for Serving the Vegetable Group for Children
Serve a variety of colorful choices. Brighten children’s plates with red, orange, and dark-green vegetables.
Choose from fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables. Prepare and serve vegetables without added salt or solid fat.
Try a dip. Kids love to dip their foods. Whip up a quick dip for veggies with yogurt and seasonings such as herbs or garlic. Serve with raw vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or cauliflower.
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Provide at least one serving each of dark green vegetables, red and orange vegetables, beans and peas (legumes), starchy vegetables, and other vegetables once per week.
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Grain Group
Any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain is a grain product. Bread, pasta, breakfast cereals, grits, and tortillas are examples of grain products. Foods such as popcorn, rice, and oatmeal are also included in the Grains Group.
Grains are divided into 2 subgroups: Whole Grains and Refined Grains. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel ― the bran, germ, and endosperm. Examples of whole grains include whole-wheat flour, bulgur (cracked wheat), oatmeal, whole cornmeal, and brown rice. Refined grains have been milled, a process that removes the bran and germ. This is done to give grains a finer texture and improve their shelf life, but it also removes dietary fiber, iron, and many B vitamins. Some examples of refined grain products are white flour, de-germed cornmeal, white bread, and white rice.
Most refined grains are enriched. This means certain B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folic acid) and iron are added back after processing. Fiber is not added back to enriched grains. Check the ingredient list on refined grain products to make sure that the word "enriched" is included in the grain name. Some food products are made from mixtures of whole grains and refined grains.
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Source of grain include:
Barley
Bread (all kinds)
Bulgur
Cereals (all kinds)
Cornbread
Cornmeal
Couscous
Crackers
Millet
Muesli
Oatmeal
Rice
Pasta (including whole wheat)
Popcorn
Pretzels
Tortillas
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Tips for Providing the Grain Group for Children
Make at least half their grains whole grains by offering 100% whole-grain cereals, breads, and pasta.
Vary the choices for whole grains. Rolled oats, oatmeal, brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, quinoa, wheat berries, and millet are whole-grain foods.
Choose toppings wisely for toast, hot cereals, pasta, and rice. Instead of adding butter, stick margarine, and regular full-fat cheese, use vegetable oils, low-fat cheeses, or marinara sauce as toppings.
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Provide at least two servings of whole grain-rich grains per day.
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Oils
Oils are NOT a food group, although they provide essential nutrients. Oils include items such as butter, oils, margarine, mayonnaise, salad dressings. These food items should be used sparingly. Foods such as fish, nuts, and avocados are good choices of fats. Many foods we eat, especially those that are processed, often are high in fat. This should be considered when planning meals.
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Tips for Providing Oils for Children
Limit serving purchased pre-fried foods to no more than one serving per week.
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Individual and Cultural Preferences
What families eat, how those foods are prepared and served, and the routines surrounding meals and snacks are going to vary in every family. For some children, those will be similar to what they encounter in early care and education programs. And some children will easily adapt to new foods and routines. But gathering information from families on these is one way to have an understanding of the food experiences and preferences children have. Menus can be planned that include familiar foods.
Cultural and Religious Considerations
Some people do not eat various specific foods and beverages in conformity with various religious, cultural, legal, or other societal prohibitions. Many of these prohibitions constitute taboos. Many food taboos and other prohibitions forbid the meat of a particular animal. Some food prohibitions can be defined as rules, codified by religion or otherwise, about which foods, or combinations of foods, may not be eaten and how animals are to be slaughtered or prepared. Some foods may be prohibited during certain religious periods (
e.g.
, Lent), at certain stages of life (
e.g.
, pregnancy), or to certain classes of people (
e.g.
, priests), even though the food is otherwise permitted.
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Families and children may choose to exclude, include, or prepare foods in a particular way according to their religious faith and beliefs. The guidance given in Table 15.7 on food choices for specific religious groups is very general (and does not include prohibited items, such as alcohol that do not apply to children in early care and education programs). There will be individual differences and varying levels of adherence to guidelines which should be discussed for each child with their family. Some people within some of the faith groups identified may not observe the dietary guidelines listed. Prohibitions and restrictions even within a particular faith may change between denominations or branches.
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Table 15.7 – General Guidance for Religious Food Choices
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Religious Affiliation
General Guidelines
Buddhist
Many are vegetarian or vegan
Some may eat fish or eggs
May participate in fasting
Hindu
Most are vegetarian
Dairy is usually acceptable
Those who eat meat, poultry, and fish will exclude beef
May fast
Jewish
Pork and pork products are excluded
Kosher beef, lamb, poultry, and fish (with fins and scales) are eaten
Shellfish are excluded
Meat and dairy are never eaten at same meal; dairy may not be eaten until 3 hours after meat or poultry
Will also exclude gelatin, fats, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and additives from animal origin that Is not kosher
May fast
Muslim
Pork and pork products are excluded
Halal beef, lamb, poultry, fish are eaten
Dairy products are eaten by most
Will also exclude gelatin, fats, emulsifiers, stabilizers, and additives from animal origin that Is not halal
May fast
Sikh
Many are vegetarian
Those who eat meat, poultry and fish will exclude beef and possibly pork
Halal and kosher meat are not eaten
Rastafarian
Pork and pork products are excluded
Many will be vegetarian
Some may be vegan
Prefer to eat a pure and natural diet so may exclude:
canned or non-organic foods
Seventh-Day Adventist
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Those who eat meat typically do not eat meat from pigs, certain fish, and other animals that the Bible names as unclean
Many are vegetarian or vegan
Encourage drinking a lot of water
Mormon
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Hot drinks containing caffeine are excluded
Food Allergies, Intolerances, and Medical Issues
As discussed in Chapter 13, some allergic reactions can be life-threatening and some foods can cause major health issues for children, it is vitally important that everyone in the early care and education program that prepares or serves food is aware of these and protects children from consuming food that can hurt them.
Vegetarian Menu Planning
A vegetarian diet does not include any meat, poultry, or seafood. It is a meal plan made up of foods that come mostly from plants. These include:
Vegetables
Fruits
Whole grains
Legumes
Seeds
Nuts
May include eggs and/or milk if ovo-lacto vegetarian
A vegetarian diet contains no animal proteins. A semi-vegetarian diet is a meal plan that contains little animal protein, but mostly plant-based foods. Vegetarians DO NOT eat:
Fowl
Seafood
Beef
Pork
Lamb
Other animal meats, such as bison, or exotic meats like ostrich or alligator
Vegetarians also do not eat products containing gelatin or rennin (an enzyme found in calf's stomachs that is used to produce many cheeses).
Here are the different types of vegetarian diets:
Vegan: Includes only plant-based foods. No animal proteins or animal by-products such as eggs, milk, or honey.
Lacto-vegetarian: Includes plant foods plus some or all dairy products.
Lacto-ovo vegetarian: Includes plant foods, dairy products, and eggs.
Semi- or partial vegetarian: Includes plant foods and may include chicken or fish, dairy products, and eggs. It does not include red meat.
Pescatarian: Includes plant foods and seafood.
Vegetarian diets that include some dairy products and eggs have all the nutrition needed. But the more restrictive the diet, the harder it can be to get certain nutrients.
When a vegetarian’s diet avoids most or all animal foods, close attention is required to make sure there is adequate intake of all of the following nutrients.
Vitamin B12
: This vitamin is needed to help prevent anemia. Eggs and dairy foods have the most B12, so vegans may have a hard time getting enough. Sources of B12 include:
Eggs
Milk, yogurt, low-fat cheese, cottage cheese, and other dairy products
Foods that have B12 added to them (fortified), such as cereal and soy products
Nutritional yeast
Seafood such as clams, salmon, and tuna (this only applies to pescetarians and semi-vegetarians)
Vitamin D
: This vitamin is needed for bone health. Vitamin D can be produced from sun exposure, but sun exposure should be limited due to skin cancer concerns. So vegetarians most likely will not be able to get enough from sun exposure. Sources of vitamin D include:
Fatty fish, such as sardines, salmon, and mackerel (this only applies to pescatarians and semi-vegetarians)
Egg yolks
Foods that are fortified with vitamin D, such as orange juice, cow's milk, soy milk, rice milk, and cereals
Zinc
: Zinc is important for the immune system and cell growth, especially in teens. The body does not absorb zinc from plant foods as well as from meat and other animal foods. Sources of zinc include:
Beans and legumes, such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and baked beans
Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, peanuts, and cashews
Seafood, such as oysters, crab, and lobster (this only applies to pescatarians and semi-vegetarians)
Yogurt and cheese
Foods fortified with zinc, such as milk and cereals
Iron
: Iron is needed for red blood cells. The body does not absorb the type of iron found from plant foods as well as from the type found in meat and other animal foods. Sources of iron include:
Beans and legumes, such as white beans, lentils, and kidney beans
Green vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, kale, and collard greens
Dried fruit, such as prunes, raisins, and apricots
Whole grains
Foods fortified with iron, such as cereals and breads
Eating foods that are high in vitamin C at the same meal as iron-rich foods increase iron absorption. Vitamin C helps the body absorb iron. Foods high in vitamin C include tomatoes, potatoes, citrus fruits, bell peppers, and strawberries.
Calcium
: Foods high in calcium help keep bones strong. Dairy products have the highest amount of calcium. If a vegetarian does not eat dairy, it can be hard to get enough. Oxalates, a substance found in plant foods inhibits calcium absorption. Foods that are high in both oxalates and calcium are not good sources of calcium. Examples include spinach, Swiss chard, and beet greens.
Good sources of calcium include:
Sardines and canned salmon with bones (this only applies to pescetarians and semi-vegetarians)
Dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, and cheese
Green vegetables, such as collard greens, kale, bok choy, and broccoli
Oranges and figs
Tofu
Almonds, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tahini, and white beans
Foods fortified with calcium, such as cereal, orange juice, and soy, almond and rice milk
Omega-3 fatty acids
: Omega-3s are important for heart and brain health. Sources of omega-3s include:
Fatty fish, such as halibut, mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines (this only applies to pescatarians and semi-vegetarians)
Nuts and seeds, such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds, ground flaxseed, canola oil, chia seeds
Soybeans and soy oil
Foods fortified with omega-3s, such as bread, eggs, juice, and milk
Protein
: If you eat fish and/or eggs and dairy getting enough protein will not be a concern for most people. Protein sources also include:
Soy foods, such as soy nuts, soy milk, tempeh and tofu.
Seitan (made of gluten).
Vegetarian meat substitutes. Just watch for products that are high in sodium.
Legumes, beans, and lentils.
Nuts, nut butters, seeds, and whole grains.
Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese.
These foods do not need to be combined in the same meal to get enough protein.
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The Dietary Guidelines 2015-2020 includes a Healthy Vegetarian Pattern that was adapted from the Healthy U.S.-Style Pattern, modifying amounts recommended from some food groups. The current Healthy Vegetarian Pattern includes changes in food group composition and amounts, based on assessing the food choices of vegetarians.
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Tips for Menu Planning for Children with Vegetarian Diets
When following a vegetarian diet, keep in mind the following:
Provide different kinds of foods, including vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy and eggs if their diet includes these.
Choose fortified foods, such as cereals, breads, soy or almond milk, and fruits juices to get a full range of nutrients.
Limit foods that are high in sugar, salt (sodium), and fat.
Include a protein source with all meals.
Learn to read the Nutrition Facts Label on food packages. The label tells you the ingredients and nutrition contents of the food product.
If you follow a more restrictive diet, you may want to work with a dietitian to make sure you are getting enough nutrients.
Note: Vegetarian children may need to take supplements at home if their diet lacks certain vitamins and minerals.
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Pause to Reflect
What familiarity do you have with any of the
varieties of food preferences (including those that may not have been presented in the book)?
Family Style Meal Service
Currently, traditional family style meal service is the recommended approach to serving meals in preschool settings. Using this approach, all foods on the menu are served at the same time in serving bowls that are passed around the table, and children self-serve the amounts they desire. There are a number of potential advantages to traditional family-style meal service including allowing children the opportunity to self-regulate consumption (match food selection with hunger level).
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This approach to mealtime creates a number of healthy habits that are important to the growth and development of children at any age. Children tend to eat more healthy foods if they see their friends try it. They learn skills such as taking turns, sharing, and teamwork.
Family style dining opens up opportunities for conversation, which increases vocabulary, promotes proper use of language and interaction with friends.
There are even more benefits that support healthy growth. Children learn:
portion sizes for each food group
to recognize when they are hungry or satisfied
how to identify healthy foods and where they come from
to improve fine motor skills
Children are not the only ones who benefit. Providers get a better grasp of food costs, get help with mealtime service and, with less food being wasted, they save money.
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Tips for Family Style Dining
Start with the right equipment.
When purchasing serving dishes, utensils and other place settings, keep in mind that they need to be kid-friendly and sized for little hands to maneuver
Remember each child’s skill level
when choosing your menu. Finger foods and foods that are easy to navigate with a child-size fork or spoon are easiest to self-serve for younger children.
Have multiple sets of utensils
and serving spoons in case someone drops one on the floor.
Give each child a task
to help set the table. One child can set the plates, one can place the cups and so on. Children have a sense of pride and belonging when they have a contributing role.
Offer a variety of familiar foods
and don’t forget to introduce new foods. Children are more willing to try something new when they serve themselves.
Reserve extra servings
for second helpings or in case the bowl of food gets contaminated.
Provide a trash can
for children in which to dispose napkins and uneaten food. Provide a tub for them to place dirty dishes after they scrape them off.
Keep cleaning supplies nearby.
Spills will happen. Be patient and use this opportunity as a teaching moment on how to clean-up.
Most importantly,
eat with the children.
Children learn from good role models. Sitting with them while everyone eats also allows you to start positive mealtime conversations.
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Food from Home
Some early care and education programs depend on families to provide some or all of children’s meals and snacks. According to Sweitzer et al (2011), “[o]bservations of lunches of three to five year old children attending fulltime childcare support the need for parent education about packing healthy lunches.” They site several studies that show inadequate servings of fruit and vegetables and foods that fail to meet the Daily Reference Intakes for essential nutrients in foods brought from home. They also site several studies that demonstrated that knowledge and attitudes about nutrition were positively linked to serving fruits and vegetables to children. As they stated, parents report barriers to supporting their young children’s healthy eating. “
Common barriers for consumption of fruits and vegetables are the child’s preferences, preparation time involved, and higher cost of those items.”
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Food brought from home, should be labeled with the child’s name and date and stored in the refrigerator when needed. When prepared and served to children it is important to follow food safety practices (discussed in the next section of the book). Foods for one child should never be given to another child.
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Tips for Supporting Families in Providing Nutritious Food From Home
In the Sweitzer et al (2011) study, parents were interviewed about how early care and education programs could help families provide better nutrition for their children. Here are some tips based on their findings:
Provide regular written information to families about nutrients and their importance for health
Provide convenient and affordable recipes and tips for families
Foster connection and interaction between families through events, support groups, and recipe exchanges
Consider including nutrition as a topic of workshops for families
Connect with community resources and local markets to expand opportunities and information for families
Remember to be budget-friendly with resources and recipes shared
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Summary
When staff in early care and education programs have an understanding of the CACFP meal patterns and health sources for all of the food groups, they have the foundation to plan menus that consider cost, variety, aesthetics, and balance. They can also support families in providing healthy food to their children.