Proper nutrition is an important aspect of our program. Providing children with healthy, nourishing meals and snacks is very important to us.  We carefully prepare and serve a very nutritious hot lunch, as well as two nutritious snacks.  Daily, we include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, many organic items, whole grains, lean meats, organic milk and organic  juice!  Each of these items are hand selected and purchased locally by the owner, just as you do for your own family from Earth Fare, etc.  Also included when available are items grown by our children in their organic school garden, which include a wide assortment of vegetables, herbs, salad greens and strawberries. Vegetarian options are available. We do not serve peanuts or peanut butter and we are happy to work with you regarding your child’s special dietary needs, allergies and intolerances. We ensure only high quality foods and beverages are served to our children and are pleased to incorporate nutritional content and preparation procedures which exceed U.S. Dept of Agriculture requirements, State laws and regulations.  You are welcome in our kitchen at any time. As with all aspects of our program, meal time is a positive, social time. Our  lunch and snacks are served family style, providing children with age appropriate-opportunities to set the table, assist in serving themselves, to pour their own milk and juice, in addition to assisting with clean up.  Staff enjoy sitting at the table eating with the children and are happy to help where needed.  This is also a popular time to promote good table manners, discuss proper nutrition as well as upcoming gardening and pre-cooking activities.  Children are encouraged to taste new foods and to eat as much as they like.