Bagged Lunch Policy

PURPOSE

It is the policy of Kids Come First to ensure that there is a written bagged lunch policy that is consistent with the Child Care Early Years Act guidelines regarding nutrition.  

POLICY

Kids Come First provides a healthy breakfast along with milk and water to children in the Before School program. The children in the After School Program are provided with nutritious snacks along with milk and water. On P.A. days and school breaks when Kids Come First runs a full program, children will be provided with morning and afternoon snacks while children will provide their own bagged lunch under the following guidelines:

Parent and Guardian’s Responsibilities

  • Lunches should follow the Canada food guide to ensure the children receive proper nutrition. Examples of nutritious lunches include: 100% juice box, turkey and cheese on multigrain bun, grapes and nutrigrain bar.
  • Lunch is provided in a labeled lunch bag with an ice pack.
  • Foods that may have any nuts or by-products or have come in contact with nuts are not allowed in the child’s lunch.
  • A list of allergies will be posted in each classroom. Children may be required to avoid bringing in other foods related to children’s allergies or illnesses.

KCF Responsibilities

  1. Staff will support parents by directing them to resources such as the Canada Food Guide when preparing their child’s lunch.
  2. Parents will be asked to provide ice packs for children’s lunches that require refrigeration. If a child forgets their ice pack, Kids Come First will either provide one or those lunches will be stored in the Centre refrigerator for the day.
  3. Staff will monitor lunches to ensure food at the program does not contain nuts/may contain nuts or any other food allergens that must be avoided in the program.
  4. Staff will notify parents if concerns arise regarding the nutritional adequacy and/or presence of allergens are in the lunch/snack.
  5. CANDIES, CHIPS, POP, CHOCOLATE AND STICKY FOODS are to be avoided because of their low nutrient value and their high sugar content. From time to time we do serve these items on special occasions however, we ask that children do not bring these foods in their lunch Children whose lunch includes these items will be given snacks to supplement the lunch such as a crackers and cheese, fruit etc. The candies/chips/pop/chocolate will be returned to the parents at the end of the day.
  6. In the event a child forgets their lunch or allergens are present, the teachers will provide a drink, a fruit, and a cheese or tuna sandwich with a nutrigrain bar. Alternatively staff will also keep a can of beans on site for children unable to eat cheese or tuna.

CANADA’S FOOD GUIDE        

FOOD GROUP

RANGE OF SERVINGS SIZE OF CHILDREN 6 AND OLDER

Grain Products  

 

Either:             1 slice                                   

                        125 ml to 175 ml                                          

                        ½ cups to ¾ cup

Vegetables and Fruit

Either:              1 whole vegetable or fruit

                        175 ml ¾ cup to 1 cup

 

Milk Products

Either:               175 ml to 250 ml

                        ¾ cup to 1 cup

Meat and Alternatives

Either:             60 g to 90 g

                       2 to 3 oz

           7.  Staff will ensure that children do not share snacks or lunches.

           8. Staff will ensure that all table surfaces are cleaned and disinfected before and after children have snack                   and lunches.

           9. Children and staff will wash their hands prior to and after eating snack/lunches.

REVIEW

The policies, procedures and practices of Kids Come First will be periodically reviewed to ensure they conform to the guidelines, spirit and intent of this policy.

 

Updated 2023/02/16