Activity 3.3 | Writing Policies and Procedures
Activity 3.3 | Writing Policies and Procedures
Creating policies and procedures
Approaches to Food
Food plays a central role in ECE environments, influencing children’s well-being, development, and sense of belonging. Different childcare settings adopt various approaches based on funding, policies, and community values. While some programs require families to send meals from home, others provide food through funding initiatives such as Aboriginal Head Start or food programs.
Food practices in childcare settings are deeply influenced by funding availability, policy decisions, and community values. Whether through parent-provided meals, funded programs, or on-site preparation, these approaches impact children's nutrition, equity, and learning experiences. Recognizing food as a vital part of early learning ensures that all children have access to nourishing, inclusive, and community-centered meals.All children need to have food that meets their cultural, dietary and nutritional needs. Some childcare settings require families to pack their children's meals. This approach allows for parental choice and cultural preferences but can also introduce disparities in nutrition and food security. Children from food-insecure households may bring insufficient or low-nutrient meals, highlighting inequities. Other childcare centers receive funding or charge families to provide meals and snacks, ensuring consistent access to nutritious food. Programs like Aboriginal Head Start incorporate traditional and culturally relevant foods, reinforcing identity and belonging.
Food Policies and Beliefs
Beliefs about nutrition, equity, and community support shape food policies in childcare settings. Most programs follow the Canada or Indigenous dietary guides to promote balanced meals. Some policies may restrict certain foods, such as nuts, to protect children with allergies. On the other hand, programs may offer halal, vegetarian, or culturally specific meals to honor diverse backgrounds.
Beyond nutrition, food policies and practices in childcare settings help build relationships, teach social skills, and reinforce values of care and reciprocity. Shared meals can:
- Provide comfort and routine.
- Foster social interactions and turn mealtime into a learning experience.
- Strengthen family engagement through meal-sharing events or cooking activities.