Nutrition is one of the
service areas that make up the Head Start/Early Head Start Program.
Our main emphasis is on providing the children with well balanced
healthy foods that are low in fat, sodium and sugar. Nutrition works
in conjunction with the Child Care and Adult Food Program to create
monthly menus according to menu guidelines and regulations from USDA
and the State. Our goal is to teach the children healthy eating habits
and the importance of eating a variety of foods and exercising. The
children all eat from the same menu unless we have medical
documentation to serve something else. Head Start practices family
style dining by encouraging the children to help set the table with
straws, napkins, silverware, and milk. Adults and children sit down
together to share meals and snacks. We send information home to the
families on nutrition related topics on a regular basis. Nutrition
activities also take place in the classroom to help the children learn
about different foods and cultures. Food choices are established very
early in life, usually by age five, so by being positive role models
we are encouraging healthy habits.
Carol Savage, RD
GLEAMNS Head Start
