Nutrition is one of the most important aspect of development in early childhood, not only in terms of health, but also mental and motor development. Introducing children to healthy eating habits at an early age can be see as a difficult task, as the common belief is that children are often picky eaters. At MVS we utilize a simple, communal approach to nutrition that not only helps our children develop long lasting health eating habits but also supports appropriate social skills and mealtime behavior.
Starting with our youngest infants, we prepare healthy pureed fruits and vegetables. We work with families to slowly introduce new foods, share ideas for new options, and develop positive feeding habits.
Once in our preschool classrooms, meals are served family style. The children work to pass and share platters and bowls of food. We work hard at talking about portion size and taking only as much as we feel we are capable of eating. We encourage children to make their own choices about the foods they are eating and how much of it they would like. We also spend time discussing the flavors and textures, supporting children's interest and connections with the foods they are consuming. We also ask that children stay seated while eating, keep food on the table, and only from their own plate. We want children to value their time together while eating, so we all work together to make mealtimes as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.
Our menu is organic and vegetarian. We use a wide variety of whole grains including quinoa, teff, millet, amaranth, farro, and freekah. Our baked goods are made from scratch using whole grain flours. For protein, we serve a variety of beans, tofu, dairy, and whole grains. We serve raw vegetables everyday. We also introduce foods in different ways so that children become aware of the variety that is possible.
Starting with our youngest infants, we prepare healthy pureed fruits and vegetables. We work with families to slowly introduce new foods, share ideas for new options, and develop positive feeding habits.
Once in our preschool classrooms, meals are served family style. The children work to pass and share platters and bowls of food. We work hard at talking about portion size and taking only as much as we feel we are capable of eating. We encourage children to make their own choices about the foods they are eating and how much of it they would like. We also spend time discussing the flavors and textures, supporting children's interest and connections with the foods they are consuming. We also ask that children stay seated while eating, keep food on the table, and only from their own plate. We want children to value their time together while eating, so we all work together to make mealtimes as pleasant and enjoyable as possible.
Our menu is organic and vegetarian. We use a wide variety of whole grains including quinoa, teff, millet, amaranth, farro, and freekah. Our baked goods are made from scratch using whole grain flours. For protein, we serve a variety of beans, tofu, dairy, and whole grains. We serve raw vegetables everyday. We also introduce foods in different ways so that children become aware of the variety that is possible.
