Our Commitment to Healthy Eating
At Chartwell Childcare, we understand that good nutrition is the foundation of a child’s health, growth, and overall development. That’s why we are dedicated to providing wholesome, balanced, and freshly prepared meals and snacks that support both physical and cognitive growth.
Our hot meals are made with high-quality ingredients, adhering to the Health Canada Food Guide. We avoid nuts, high-fructose corn syrup, and artificial colors, opting instead for natural, wholesome options. To meet individual preferences, we customize meals, promoting taste exploration while honoring diverse dietary choices. Our daily hot lunch and two snacks are designed to provide balanced nutrition, in line with the Canada Food Guide.
Our meals are thoughtfully planned to include:
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Fresh Ingredients: We prioritize seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.
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Nutritional Balance: Each meal is designed to meet the dietary needs of growing children, ensuring the right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals.
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Cultural Diversity: We celebrate cultural diversity by incorporating flavors and dishes from various cuisines to expand children’s palates.
Our meal plan is thoughtfully updated every three months, ensuring it aligns with the preferences of the children based on their likes and dislikes, fostering a positive mealtime experience.
Daily Meal Schedule
We follow a structured daily meal schedule designed to keep your child energized and nourished throughout the day. Our routine ensures that children have consistent access to wholesome meals and snacks at appropriate intervals, supporting their physical and mental well-being.
Here’s a typical daily meal schedule:
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Morning Breakfast
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Served mid-morning to provide a healthy energy boost.
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Includes fresh fruit, whole grains, or yogurt to start the day right.
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Hot Lunch
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A balanced and hearty meal featuring a mix of proteins, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
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Focused on meeting the nutritional needs of growing children.
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Afternoon Snack
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Served mid-afternoon to recharge for the rest of the day.
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Includes light, nutritious options such as veggies with dip, cheese, or crackers.
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Our mealtime routine is designed to create a calm, enjoyable environment where children can socialize, try new foods, and develop positive eating habits.
Chartwell Sample Menu
our carefully curated menus are designed to offer a variety of healthy, delicious meals and snacks that children love. Our meals are planned with nutrition in mind, ensuring a balance of essential food groups to support your child’s growth and development. Below is a sample menu to give you a glimpse of what your child might enjoy during their day with us:
Monday
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Morning Snack: Fresh fruit slices with whole-grain crackers.
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Lunch: Baked chicken with steamed broccoli, quinoa, and a side of apple slices.
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Afternoon Snack: Veggie sticks with hummus.
Tuesday
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Morning Snack: Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of granola.
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Lunch: Spaghetti with turkey meatballs and a side of roasted zucchini.
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Afternoon Snack: Cheese cubes with whole-grain pretzels.
Wednesday
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Morning Snack: Banana slices with almond butter.
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Lunch: Grilled salmon, mashed sweet potatoes, and green beans.
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Afternoon Snack: Homemade oatmeal cookies with a glass of milk.
Thursday
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Morning Snack: Seasonal fruit salad with a handful of nuts.
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Lunch: Chicken and vegetable stir-fry served with brown rice.
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Afternoon Snack: Rice cakes with sunflower seed butter.
Friday
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Morning Snack: Blueberry muffins with a side of orange slices.
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Lunch: Cheese quesadillas with a side of black beans and corn salsa.
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Afternoon Snack: Yogurt parfait with mixed berries and granola.
This sample is just a snapshot of our rotating menu, which changes weekly to introduce a variety of tastes and textures while meeting dietary guidelines. We accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies to ensure all children have access to safe and nutritious meals.
Catering to Dietary Needs
We are committed to ensuring that every child enjoys safe, nutritious, and delicious meals that cater to their individual dietary needs. We recognize that each child is unique, and we strive to accommodate a variety of preferences, allergies, and special requirements.
1. Allergy Awareness:
The health and safety of your child are our top priorities. Our meal plans are carefully designed to minimize exposure to common allergens. We work closely with families to identify any specific allergies and take the necessary precautions to provide allergen-free alternatives. All staff are trained to recognize and respond to allergy-related situations promptly.
2. Special Diets:
Whether your child requires a vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free diet, we’re here to ensure they have access to balanced and satisfying meals. We tailor our menus to include alternatives that align with these dietary needs while maintaining nutritional value.
3. Cultural and Religious Considerations:
We respect and celebrate cultural diversity, including dietary practices associated with religious or cultural beliefs. Our team collaborates with families to ensure we provide meals that align with these traditions.
4. Open Communication:
We maintain an open line of communication with parents to stay updated on any changes to their child’s dietary needs. You’re welcome to share any specific requirements or requests with our team, and we’ll incorporate them into our meal planning.
5. Meal Preparation Practices:
Our kitchen follows strict hygiene and cross-contamination prevention measures to ensure meals are prepared safely and responsibly. This includes dedicated preparation areas for allergen-free meals and thorough cleaning protocols.
Mealtime should be a positive and inclusive experience for all children, regardless of their dietary needs. By fostering a safe and supportive environment, we empower every child to enjoy the benefits of nutritious meals while feeling valued and included.
Encouraging Healthy Habits
At Chartwell Childcare, we focus on fostering lifelong healthy habits by making mealtime a positive, educational experience.
Balanced Choices: We offer a variety of foods from all food groups, teaching children the importance of a well-rounded diet.
Role Modeling: Our educators lead by example, encouraging healthy eating habits that children can observe and adopt.
Family-Style Dining: Mealtimes are social and collaborative, promoting sharing and communication among peers.
Introducing New Foods: We gently encourage children to try new foods, expanding their dietary preferences in a fun and non-pressuring way.
Mindful Eating: We teach children to listen to their hunger cues and enjoy their meals by focusing on taste and texture.
Healthy Choices Education: Through engaging activities, children learn about the benefits of nutritious foods.
Building Independence: Children participate in meal-related tasks, fostering responsibility and a sense of ownership over their nutrition.
By creating a supportive environment, we help children develop healthy eating habits that will last a lifetime.
