HOT
LUNCH

HEALTHY EATING IN EARLY YEARS

Children need a healthy balance diet from each food group, from starch, protein, iron, vitamins, fibre to name a few.

Starch food such as potatoes, bread, rice, pasta is good source of energy which for pre-school aged children are vital. They also contain fibre, with vitamins and minerals which are essential for growth and development.

Protein and iron are also essential for growth and development and children need at least 2 portions of this a day.

Beans, pulses and lentils are a good alternative to meat. Fish and oily fish is also vital and again at least 2 portions a week is recommended.

Iron is also found in plant-based items such as dark greens, whole grain, cereals, pulses and dry food.

By providing a hot healthy meal at lunchtime will boost children’s energy and development which will support children’s learning and understanding.

 

We know that finding different food items for your child’s lunch box can be daunting, especially with the policies of certain food items not allowed to be consumed in settings, not to mention the costing and waste of uneaten food. Knowing your child is having a hot healthy meal at lunch time each day may take the stress of this away, also with all our busy life schedules can also take the pressure of cooking a hot tea at the end of the day and able to provide a lighter option.

 

WORKING WITH LITTLE KITCHEN TO PROVIDE A HEALTHY LUNCH.

Little kitchen is known for teaching, educating and providing healthy natural produce sourced locally.     

They are also very passionate about our planet and use sustainably naturally grown produce and recycle is paramount. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT THE FLYER PROVIDED.

 

PROVIDING HOT LUNCH FOR CHILDREN WITH ALLERGIES, AND WHO ARE, VEGAN, VEGETARIANS, PESCATARIANS.

Everyone will be catered for and adapted to meet every child’s individual dietary needs. Little kitchen will create the meal to look exactly like the meal that day, so it looks like everyone is eating the same.

 

HOW THIS WILL WORK.

We will be working very closely at all times with little kitchen and with our parents at all times.

Parents/carers will receive a 3-week menu which will rotate for that season so after 3 weeks it will go back to week 1. The menu will be sent out along with an order form which to start with will be sent back to the setting and we will then put the order through. You will then receive a bill direct from little kitchen which will end to be paid in advance.

DELIVERY OF FOOD.

Food is cooked and prepared fresh that day and will be delivered to us in a special container around 11.45 (food will be hot and kept hot at the right temperature). Each group will have their own box containing the meal set in individual portions. (Children with special dietary needs will be boxed and labelled separately.)

Every child will have their own plate and cutlery which we will provide, and they will all help to dish up their own food and put it on their own plate. Your child’s key person will also be eating the food with the children which we feel will support children to try different foods they may not have ever tried, there will also be great discussions regarding taste, texture etc which will support children to gain knowledge on all different types of food. With all children eating the same food at the same time will support children that are reluctant to eat other types of food. 

 Once finished if there are any leftovers, they get put back in the sealed box along with all the containers and little kitchen will collect the following day when they deliver the lunch for that day. The food containers will be catered washed and left over food will be resourced via compost etc. 

Children will be involved in washing and wiping their plates and cutlery. Lunch time at Hamilton’s has always been a fun learning experience for the children.

COSTING

On average your child’s lunch box costs roughly £2.73. Little kitchens 2 course hot lunch with pudding will be £2.70p a day.