Nutrition is Key!

Nutrition has been called the single greatest environmental influence on babies in the womb and during infancy, and it remains essential throughout the first years of life. At Evergreen we are committed to the health and wellness of our children. We serve food that is fresh, high-quality, wholesome, minimally processed, and promotes a sustainable future. Healthy eating is important for everyone, but it’s especially important for young children. Our breakfast, lunch and snack menu meet and exceed current nutrition regulations and guidelines for young children. Some of the features of our menus include: 

• More fruits and vegetables are served per day

• Our menu includes a variety of fruits and vegetables 

• The majority of all grains served are 100% whole grain

• We avoid serving foods with trans-fat and products containing partially hydrogenated oils. 

• Food items containing artificial food coloring and added sugar content are limited. 

• At least one vegetarian entrée is served per week. 

Childhood is an impressionable time in life when many habits are formed that shape adulthood, including those that deal with nutrition. If you teach your little one to eat and enjoy fruits, vegetables and whole grains early on, it will resonate throughout their life and lead to better health. 

Here some ideas that can help you introduce fruits and vegetables at home to your little ones: 

1.    Talk it up earlier. Don’t wait for dinnertime to introduce a veggie to your children. On your way home talk about the importance of finding healthy options to include in our meals. Explain how trying new vegetables can help you find your favorite ones and share how you are planning to cook them for dinner. 

2.    Give them one bite. Think how they will feel after eating all their veggies and fruits. Starting with a small portion is the best way to give them goals that they can achieve.  

3.    Make it cute. From the plate to the recipe help them enjoy the experience. 

4.    Encourage your child with your example. Make sure that you have veggies and fruits on your plate. They are watching. 

5.    Dip it. Let your child pick between at least two different kinds of dips. Personalizing the flavor is something that can help. 

6.    Reward your child’s effort. Having a chart can help you and your child see the improvements. It is important to reward their effort. You can reward them once a week with a sticker or a dessert. Just make sure it is something that your child enjoys.