New Hope Early Learning Center
Nutrition
Good nutrition is essential to healthy growth, learning readiness, and overall child well-being. That’s why we prepare fresh, healthy meals every day—at no additional cost to families. Through our participation in the Child & Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), we ensure that all enrolled children receive breakfast, lunch, and a healthy snack daily, supporting both their physical health and their ability to focus and thrive in the classroom.
Supporting Healthy Relationships with Food
Our food philosophy is guided by the research-based approach of The Ellyn Satter Institute, which emphasizes intuitive eating and positive feeding relationships. We encourage children to listen to their bodies, try new foods at their own pace, and enjoy mealtimes as a time of connection and learning.
Rather than pressuring children to eat or using food as a reward, we support autonomy and self-regulation. This fosters healthy habits and a positive relationship with food that can last a lifetime.
Fresh, Balanced, and Child-Friendly
Our dedicated nutrition coordinator prepares meals on-site each day using whole foods and high-quality ingredients. We emphasize variety, balance, and minimal processing—offering meals that are both nutritious and appealing to young children. Each day, children receive at least:
1–3 servings of protein (meat, eggs, cheese, beans, or yogurt)
3–4 servings of fruits and vegetables (usually fresh, frozen, or dried)
1–3 servings of grains (bread, pasta, rice, crackers, etc. with an emphasis on whole grains)
2–3 servings of milk
Sweets and highly processed foods are kept to a minimum. Weekly menus are posted in the kitchen and on the parent information board so families can stay informed and involved. We are happy to support children with food allergies and families with religious or cultural food preferences.
Infant Nutrition and Family Support
We provide formula for infants up to 13 months and actively support breastfeeding families, offering safe storage and feeding of expressed milk, as well as welcoming parents to nurse on site in their child’s classroom or in our nursing room. Our caregivers are trained to honor each infant’s individual feeding cues and schedules, building children’s trust in their own hunger and fullness feelings from the very start.
In addition to classroom nutrition, we also offer wrap-around food supports for families who may need extra help at home. Whether it’s connecting families with resources or offering supplemental food when needed, we’re committed to supporting the whole family.
Nourishing Bodies and Minds
When children are well-nourished, they are better able to learn, play, and engage with the world around them. That’s why we view nutrition as an essential part of our whole-child approach—fueling not just bodies, but also minds, hearts, and growing identities.
Curious How Nutrition Fits Into the Day?
Meals and snacks are an important part of our daily rhythm—providing nourishment, comfort, and community. Explore a sample daily schedule >