Denison Child Care promotes the healthy development of all children, recognizing the importance of a balanced diet. Keeping with this expectation when bagged lunches are necessary the expectation is:
Parent and Guardian’s Responsibilities
- The bagged lunch adheres to Canada’s Food Guide.
- Lunch is provided in a labelled lunch bag with an ice pack and/or thermos to keep food warm.
- Foods that may have come in contact with nuts are not allowed in the child’s lunch.
Staff Responsibilities
- All surfaces will be cleaned with a cleaning solution prior and after the children have their lunch. (The cleaning solution is a germ destroyer approved by Public Health)
- Staff will ensure the children wash their hands before assisting children with their lunches.
- Staff will ensure children wash their hands prior to eating lunch.
- Staff will monitor lunches to ensure food arrives at the centre that contains nuts or has the warning sign “may have come into contact with nuts”.
- An alternate lunch will be provided if a child forgets their lunch. A courtesy call to the parent or guardian will be made and the food served will be recorded in the log book.
- Staff will encourage children not to share lunches.
- Staff will supervise closely any child that has a life threatening allergy by sitting next to them or across from them during lunch time.
- Staff will monitor each child’s lunch and should a child’s lunch consistently not adhere to Canada’s Food Guide then they will work with the parent to provide sample menus.
- Sample lunch ideas/websites will be available at the centre to support families.
CANADA’S FOOD GUIDE
Serving sizes*
Range of serving size for children 6 years 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
*Source: Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services Day Nurseries Act