Small Blessings Kitchen and Nutritional Information

Providing a well balanced, varied, and nutritious diet early in life helps to promote healthy eating habits in adulthood.  Studies show that food preferences are developed early on in life, and it often takes multiple introductions to a food before a child will grow a taste for it. Our menu helps incorporate a wide range of food into your child’s diet while meeting state nutritional guidelines.

Our AM snack is comprised mostly of fresh fruits, vegetables, or dairy products to introduce non traditional items.  The PM snack utilizes a more filling component in an effort to ease the afternoon transition from school to home. 

Family style dining is used during each meal in the classroom.
Did you know that eating family style:

• enhances motor skills such as pouring, scooping, and serving.
• teaches children to regulate portion sizes according to their own feelings of hunger and fullness.
• develops social skills
• children learn to share.
• develops self-confidence and independence because they are in control to make their own choices.
• introduces new foods, new tastes and menus. Picky eaters can benefit from social influence.
• children can enjoy eating with adults and practicing good table manners.

Interesting articles with more information

Introducing Your Child to a Variety of Foods Helps Later in Life
Research from the Monell Chemical Senses Center (a non-profit research institute in Philadelphia) shows that what kids are willing to eat at age 9 is directly related to what they were eating at age 2. Preferences begin to develop even earlier than this, as babies learn to like certain food tastes through the breastmilk of their mothers.

USDA Child Nutrition
In 1995, the USDA established Team Nutrition, a nationwide integrated program designed to help implement the School Meals Initiative for Healthy Children.

Self Nutrition Data
Since its launch in 2003, Nutrition Data has grown into one of the most authoritative and useful sources of nutritional analysis on the Web. In July 2006, Nutrition Data was acquired by CondéNet, a digital publisher under the Condé Nast Publications umbrella dedicated to editorial excellence. Nutrition Data's continuing goal is to provide the most accurate and comprehensive nutrition analysis available, and to make it accessible and understandable to all.

Pinto Beans vs. Black Beans
Which should you choose on your next burrito?  A ton of other videos related to nutrition!

Are Frozen Vegetables Less Nutritious Than Fresh?
Many people wonder whether or not frozen vegetables are less nutritious than fresh vegetables. It seems that they would be, simply because many people assume that foods which have been processed are bound to be less nutritious than otherwise. Check out the article for full details.

Individualized Care Plan for Food Allergies,
Food Intolerances, or Family Preferences

Policy:  Ensuring Children’s Nutritional well being (N.A.E.Y.C 5.B.5) For each child with special health care needs or food allergies or special nutrition needs, the child's health provider gives the program an individualized care plan that is prepared in consultation with family members and specialists involved in the child's care. The program protects children with food allergies from contact with the problem food. The program asks families of a child with food allergies to give consent for posting information about that child's food allergy and, if consent is given, then posts that information in the food preparation area and in the areas of the facility the child uses so it is a visual reminder to all those who interact with the child during the program day. UITPK

Procedure:  Food Allergies, Food Intolerances, or Family Preferences 

• Families and their doctor review monthly menus to determine menu items not suitable for their child. 
• Family provides
  • signed Food Transportation Form ensuring food is transported in a safe manner that program can serve.
  • all Substitute menu items several days in advance of meal
    1. Labeled with child’s name and classroom
    2. Labeled with the date, and which menu item substitute is for
  • All substitutes are taken directly to the kitchen.   Substitutes are not to be dropped off or stored in the classrooms for any reason. 
  • Food Services will serve all substitutes on the carts – labeled as families directed; special milks will be taken down by the carton.

This system is designed to provide accurate services regardless of the teachers present because it is the family and food services working closely. 

When milk substitutes get low, Food Services will email the families directly, copying Family and Community Relations Director, Director, and Classrooms.  Classroom Teacher will then make a note on the daily until the substitutes are brought in.  When substitutes are brought in, Food Services will send a thank you email and copy Family and Community Relations Director, Director, and Classrooms.

 Example of how to label your child's meal substitutions.
Click image for larger graphic