Aim:

• The service aims to provide nutritious and varied food to encourage healthy eating habits of children.
• To promote St Andrew's OSHC as a Nut-Free program

Food and Drink:

• Food and drink will be provided for afternoon tea during the school terms and lunch only during Vacation Care.
• Drinking water will e available at all times for the children and staff and Chilled water available for refills during the warmer months.
• All food and drink provided will be nutritious and varied.
• Foods provided will incude foods from various cultures, especially those represented in the service and local community.
• The food provided will be planned ahead and "menus" will be displayed for parents and children.
• Parents will be informed of changes to the menu. children and parents will be encouraged to contribute to the menu,
• If the children have special food needs, the service and parents will discuss and develop a plan to meet the children's needs.
• Parents are encouraged to provide a nutritious and health morning and afternoon tea for children, following our nut-free policy.
• Guidelines for healthy snacks will be provided to parents.

Eating Environment

• Snack times will be a social event where children and staff can relax and experience a variety of foods.
• Staff will demonstrate healthy eating habits to children.
• The denial of food will not be used as punishment.

Nutrition Education

• Food awareness activities will be chosen from variety of cultures
• The service will provide nutrition information for parents. This can be done using posters, notices and information sheets.
• Children will be encouraged to be involved in menu planning, preparing and serving food.

Training

• Staff will be encouraged to attend professional development on food and nutrition issues for children.