Nutrition is important at Head Start. A nutritious breakfast, lunch, and snack are provided each day. Staff and children participate in “Family Style Dining.” This means the atmosphere at mealtimes are relaxed and informal with children, staff, volunteers, and guests eating together at the table making light conversation with the children. Children help with preparation, setting, serving, and cleaning-up of the meals including both table and floor.
Most healthy eating habits start at an early age and continue through life. Parents and other adults in the children’s lives have a significant impact on food choices. While children are young, adults provide children with healthy foods necessary for children’s growth and development. A balance of nutrients is important for preschool children.
There are many ways to encourage healthy eating habits. Some of the ways are to set an example; family behaviors influence children’s response to foods and eating behaviors, offer a variety of nutritious snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and crackers instead of candy bars, cookies, etc., introduce new foods several times and different ways, and encourage drinking water instead of sweetened drinks.
Most healthy eating habits start at an early age and continue through life. Parents and other adults in the children’s lives have a significant impact on food choices. While children are young, adults provide children with healthy foods necessary for children’s growth and development. A balance of nutrients is important for preschool children.
There are many ways to encourage healthy eating habits. Some of the ways are to set an example; family behaviors influence children’s response to foods and eating behaviors, offer a variety of nutritious snacks such as fruits, vegetables, and crackers instead of candy bars, cookies, etc., introduce new foods several times and different ways, and encourage drinking water instead of sweetened drinks.