At Planet Child Care Centre we aim to provide a positive eating environment where children will enjoy eating, develop positive eating habits and encourage awareness of healthy eating. We do this by providing children with at least 50% of their recommended dietary intake in the form of safe and appetising food. We will cater to the individual needs of children in relation to culture, vegetarianism, allergies and any medical conditions. Staff will be role models and eat with the children and encourage them to try new foods, however the children's food preferences will be respected. It is the Centre's responsibility to help children and parents develop good food attitudes and habits, we do this by:

* Provide food consistent with the Australian Dietary Guidelines.

* Present food in an attractive manner.

* Develop an awareness of cross cultural eating patterns and related food values.

* Provide safe food, ie. hygienically prepared food with reduced risk of choking.

* Ensure meals are relaxed, pleasant and timed to meet the needs of the children.

* Prohibit the use of food as punishment, reward or bribe.

* Prohibit any form of force feeding.

* Encourage independence and social skills at meal times.

* Establish healthy eating habits and food awareness in the children, by including nutritional education and food activities (such as art and craft) in the children's program. Children will be encouraged to have hands on experience in food preperation.

* Communicate with the parents/guardians about their child's food intaake, ie. to display the weekly menu on the Kitchen Door, and to write the amount of lunch and dessert eaten on the "Sign In " sheet.

* Inform parents/guardians of children's nutritional needs through posters, pamphlets and parent library information etc.

* Menu Planning will be a team effort of the Cook, the Director, the staff and the parents. The Menu will change weekly and will reflect seasonal changes.