Programs
Meals & Nutrition
Proper nutrition is a priority. Eating right is essential to the health and care of our children’s bodies and minds.
Saint Andrew’s Children’s Center employs a full-time on-site cook to prepare fresh, nutritious and delicious home-cooked meals and snacks. All milk served to the children is organic, and other organic items on our monthly menu include beef, pasta and vegetables. Most fruit is fresh; when canned fruit is used, it is packed in its own juice with no added sugar.
Breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack are served to all children in attendance at mealtimes, and meals and snacks are free of charge for all enrolled children. (Many other centers ask parents to pack a lunch or charge extra for meals.)
Meals are family style. Children are encouraged to serve themselves and try all foods, but are never forced to eat, and they help set up and clean up. Teachers sit at the table with the children to model good table manners and healthy eating habits. Meals are developmentally appropriate and meet Community Care Licensing’s nutritional requirements.
Our cook’s guarantees
- Each meal is prepared shortly before serving
- All meals are fresh, wholesome and nutritionally balanced
- Organic foods are served whenever possible
- Organic milk, beef and vegetables
- 1% milk for older children; whole milk for infants and toddlers
- No juice, because of its high sugar content
- Fresh fruit is frequently served at breakfast, lunch and snack
- Chicken is the primary protein; beef is used from time to time, and pork is never served
- Menus reflect our multicultural community, with many vegetarian entrées
- Nuts are never served, and we don’t buy foods whose labels indicate any processing with nuts
- Dietary restrictions such as food allergies are noted, and substitutions are made when possible
Come see us
The best way to get to know Saint Andrew’s is to visit. Book a personal tour of our campus, or call us at (949) 651-0198.