NUTRITION
What
kinds of foods do children eat while at Head Start?
Head
Start encourages good health, safety and nutrition habits. All
children are provided a healthy
breakfast and lunch planned by a
staff nutritionist. Children and parents also receive lunches when
attending field trips.
Nutrition
Curriculum
The
Nutrition Education program for children and families is based upon the
"Dietary Guidelines for Americans." The eating habits of adults
are formed early in life. By introducing children to good nutrition and
healthy eating habits early on, we hope they grow up and make healthy choices in
their lifestyles, care about themselves, and practice healthy
habits.
Adults,
too, can learn about healthy choices and can improve or change their
habits. The curriculum has a parent component with several parent
activities planned. We hope you will participate. The basic
guidelines are:
-
Eat a variety of foods
-
Use sugars only in moderation
-
Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat, and cholesterol
-
If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation
-
Choose a diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, and grain products
-
Maintain a healthy weight
-
Use salt and sodium only in moderation
Food
Policy
To
prevent contamination, children will not be allowed to share food or snacks
provided by parents. Only commercially prepared food from an approved
bakery, restaurant, grocery store, etc. can be brought into the
classroom.
Requirements
Parents
must complete a Nutritional Assessment at the home visit for evaluation by the
nutrition specialist.
