At A Quiet Forest Preschool, we believe that nutritious meals are a cornerstone of healthy growth and happy learning. Our approach to food emphasizes fresh, balanced, and colorful meals sourced from the earth and made with love.

🍎 USDA Food Program Guidelines

We proudly follow the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) guidelines, ensuring every meal meets the highest standards for nutrition. This means your child enjoys:

  • Balanced Meals: A variety of grains, proteins, dairy, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Healthy Portions: Appropriate serving sizes for growing bodies.
  • Fresh, Whole Foods: We aim to avoid overly processed ingredients in favor of simple, nourishing options.

🌈 The Rainbow on Every Plate

Eating the rainbow is more than just fun—it ensures children get all the vitamins and nutrients they need. Our meals feature colorful fruits and veggies every day, from crunchy carrots and juicy berries to leafy greens and sweet squash.

“We believe a vibrant plate makes for vibrant children.”

🌻 Garden-to-Table Goodness

Our meals often come straight from nature, thanks to:

  • Our Garden & Orchard: Children help grow and harvest fruits, vegetables, and herbs, giving them a hands-on connection to their food.
  • Local Partnerships: We source additional fruits, veggies, and more from trusted local farms.
  • Homemade Bread: Nothing beats the smell of fresh bread! We bake our own bread on-site with simple, wholesome ingredients.

🥕 Cooking Together: Learning Through Food

We involve children in preparing snacks and meals whenever possible because food is a wonderful way to learn. Children:

  • Measure, pour, and stir to practice math and motor skills.
  • Explore new flavors and textures in a fun, supportive environment.
  • Feel proud and excited to taste foods they’ve helped create.

“Cooking together teaches children where their food comes from and fosters a love for healthy eating.”

🍴 Child-Centered, Curriculum-Inspired Menus

Our meal plans are crafted to:

  • Complement our current curriculum, introducing children to new foods as part of learning themes (like apples during harvest time).
  • Respect children’s preferences while gently encouraging them to try new flavors.
  • Balance nutrition with joyful mealtimes that feel like home.

🌲 Healthy, Happy, and Growing

At A Quiet Forest Preschool, mealtimes are about more than food—they’re about community, learning, and care. From planting seeds to enjoying fresh bread, we make eating healthy a joyful experience for every child.

Want to learn more about our meals or see our garden in action?
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