Food and Nutrition

Since food and nutrition are important components of a child’s development, Explore More emphasizes fresh and natural foods. Well balanced snacks and lunches will be provided. We participate in the 5-2-1-0 initiative fighting childhood obesity and limiting screen and media times for children here at Explore More. Fresh water is available to children throughout the day. Juice is served only once a day during afternoon snack. Juice can be watered down by request of parents/guardians if preferred. The weekly menu is posted on the family board at the start of the week.

Food prepared for children will be properly planned, prepared and portioned according to the Child and Adult Care Food Program and the state requirements for food service. Milk or water is served with all meals and snacks. The meal schedule we follow is listed below. If your child is here during those times, they will be served. Children who choose not to eat will not be served again until the next scheduled meal or snack. If your child will be arriving after mealtime, please feed them before they arrive. If your child has any particular dietary needs resulting from an allergy or religious belief, please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate them.

7:00-7:30        Breakfast

9:30-10:00      AM Snack

11:30-12:00    Lunch

3:00-3:30        PM Snack

Following the requirements of the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program I will serve a variety of fresh whole foods. Whole grains will be served at minimum once per day. Explore More utilizes a rotating cycle menu of meals. If you wish to receive a copy of these meals, please ask.

A child will never be forced to eat but will be encouraged to try new foods when introduced. I work from a taste bite, where children are encouraged to try a bite with the knowledge that they can spit it back out on their plate if desired. I do not insist that children clean their plates. At Explore More, food is never and should never be used as a reward or a punishment. 

Breakfast must include milk, a fruit or vegetable, and a grain. Lunch must include milk, meat or a meat alternative, a fruit or vegetable, and a grain. Snacks must include at least 2 of the 5 components (milk, meat or meal alternative, fruit, vegetable, grain).  

5-2-1-0 Let’s Go!

5 or more servings of fruits & vegetables

2 or fewer hours of screen time per day

1 or more hours of activity

0 sweetened beverages

Our program is committed to helping raise a healthier generation of children. Explore More has made it our policy to follow the five Let’s Go! Priority strategies for healthy eating and physical activity.

1.     We limit unhealthy choices for snacks and celebrations

2.     We limit sugary drinks and provide water

3.     We prohibit the use of food as a reward

4.     We provide opportunities to get physical activity every day.

5.     We limit recreational screen time