Meal at Head Start

In order for children to learn while at Head Start, they need to have their physical needs met. That is why it is so important for the children to have nutritious meals at times when their bodies are in need of energy. It is important for each child to start the day off with a good breakfast. Breakfast is essential to learning. Snacks are also an important part of a child's day. Children use a tremendous amount of energy through growth and physical activity (play). Also, their stomachs are small and they need smaller, more frequent meals to receive the needed energy. In the center-based program, the morning classes receive breakfast and lunch, and the afternoon classes receive lunch and a snack while in the classroom. In the home-based program, a snack or meal is provided during group socializations at the center. Parent training is the main focus of the home based program, so these families will receive information on nutrition issues through their home visitor. The following is an example of meals provided in the Head Start classroom:

A variety of foods are used from each group. Meal plans are posted in each of the classrooms and sent home for you to review. All foods on the menu are offered to each child. If you have a problem with a particular food that is being served to your child, please tell your child's teacher or contact the Nutrition Specialist at 753-0951 ext. 120 in the Cache Valley area, or 1-888-753-0951 ext. 120 outside the Cache Valley area.

IF YOUR CHILD HAS AN ALLERGY TO A SPECIFIC FOOD, WE MUST HAVE AN OFFICIAL WRITTEN STATEMENT FROM YOUR DOCTOR that a particular food should not be served to your child, otherwise all foods will be offered. An Allergy Statement Form will need to be filled out by your child's physician. You can get this form from the Nutrition Specialist, or ask your child's teacher or your Family Advocate.

Head Start is a place where children can be exposed to a wide variety of foods. Children are encouraged to try new foods and sample all foods served, however, they are never forced to eat foods they are not comfortable with. Foods are never used as a reward or punishment.

Parent volunteers are always needed to help in the classrooms during mealtimes. Volunteers are needed for clean-up of each meal so that the teacher and teacher's assistant can be more involved with teaching your children. If you are interested in helping each day with mealtime, please let your child's teacher know. Head Start will pay for you to obtain a food handler's permit so that you can volunteer in the classroom. A parent who volunteers in the classroom for the full class time is provided with free meals.