When you look at a childcare menu, you see what is being served. Behind that menu, however, is a lot of careful planning! At Wholesome Kids Catering, our specialized team works behind the scenes to ensure every menu cycle supports the unique nutrition needs of growing children.

Our nutrition philosophy starts with balance. Since many children in care receive lunch and two snacks from us, we recognize that these meals make up a significant part of their daily food intake. That is why we look beyond individual foods and consider how the entire day and week come together.

Our approach considers Canada’s Food Guide, the Child Care and Early Years Act (CCEYA), and recommendations from the Ontario Dietitians in Public Health Child Care Menu Planning Practical Guide. We take these principles even further through our own internal nutrition standards. Our team reviews menus with particular attention to sodium, sugar, saturated fat, protein, iron and age-appropriate portions.

But nutrition is only part of the equation. We aim to introduce children to a variety of foods, flavours and cultures while creating menus that are inclusive and appealing. This includes incorporating different grains, vegetables and protein foods, including plant based proteins such as beans and legumes, alongside familiar favourites.

And we are particular about what makes it onto the menu! New recipes are developed by our chefs and reviewed with nutrition, production, food safety, quality and childcare service in mind. New creations also go through taste testing with a panel so that flavour and overall appeal are considered before an item earns its place on the menu.

Creating a childcare menu is a balancing act. From nutrition analysis and ingredient selection to quality assurance and food safety, our team considers many different factors before a meal reaches a child’s plate. The result is a menu designed to be nutritious, varied, inclusive, practical and, most importantly, enjoyable for growing children.