Merri Community Childcare Centre and Kindergarten Inc. has been previously awarded wth Start Right Eat Right Award as well as the Kids-Go for your life Award. These programs have now been superseded with the Healthy Together Victorian Achievement Program. We are currently guided by Healthy Eating Advisory Service when we plan the menu.
The aim of this achievement program is to provide increased access to, and availabilityof, healthy food chioices consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents. As per the centre policy we provide safe and nutritious food to children that are healthy and balandced. As a centre we place great emphasis on whole foods as well sd fresh foods.
As all food is provided by the centre there is no need to bring in food from home. A cook is employed to prepare a cooked lunch for the children. Sugar, salt and preservatives are avoided where possible in food preparation.
Meals and snacks from a range of cultrures are provided.the weekly menu is displayed on the TV monitor in the foyer a week at a time for parents to read. The meals change daily with a six-week rotating schedule. Parents are welcome to browse through the detailed centre menu planner on display outside the kithcen noticeboard.
- Breakfast is served daily to children on request from 7.30am-8.00am only. Breakfast is ususlly toast with a variety of spreads. If you wish to supply breakfast cereal for your child, we can accommodate you by providing cow's or soy milk.
- Morning tea usually fruit in season and is served at 9 am.
- Lunch is served from 10.45-11am.
afternoon tea is served about 3pm. Afternoon tea can be a variety of foods such as fresh fruit, sandwiches, dips and bread etc.
Milk
Full cream cow's milk and soy milk are available to children throughout the day and during meal times.
Breastmilk
Parents are required to provide breast milk if their child is being breastfed. Breastfeeding mums that reside of work in the area are more than welcome to drop in and breast feed their baby whilst in care
Formula
Bottles must be provided for children that are on fomula. pre-measured servings of formla powder must be clearly labelled and accompany all bottles.
Drink Bottles
It is highly recommended that all children have their own individual drink bottle of cup with spout or straw.Drink bottles ensure easy accessibility to fluids throughout the day and discourage cross contamination. please remember to label your child's drink bottles clearly.
Updating your child's food information
Please notify the centre in writing by completing the appropriate forms if your child's food requirement s have changed. Please also keep us informed of any food allergies and or intolerances by supplying us with a list of safe foods and foods to be avoeded, the symptoms resulting from the allergy and the remedies and precautions to be taken.
Birthdays
Birthdays are very important in a child's life and we like to make them enjoyable as possible. if parents wish for their child to celebrate their birthday at the centre they are requested to supply a bought birthday cake with a receipt. This policy and procedure is necessary to comply with the Food Safety Act. No lollies, chips, or sweets etc. Please and no cakes with nuts or alcohol.
Food Forms
We ask you to read and complete all the relevant food relating to your child's dietary requirements and nutritional needs. If you have bee provided any of the forms listed below we ask you to complete and return these at your earliest convenience.
- Anaphylaxis/Allergy/Intolerance Food Form
- Food Form For Aged Under 1
- Food Form For Aged Over 1
- Special Food Diet Requirement Form
If you have any questions regarding any of the above information, please do not hesitate to speak with the centre cook and or your child's room educators