Nutrition is an aspect of health that we can impact your child positively. At home and in school, young children develop preferences and habits for foods and activities. These early habits are likely to continue for the rest of their lives.
We influence children’s food preferences and experiences in ways that will promote health by offering foods that are safe, nutritious, and appealing.
We believe in division of responsibilities when it comes to eating:
Adults (parents and teachers) are responsible for what type of food is offered to children and when food is served. Meals and snacks should be healthy, safe, and age-appropriate.
Children are responsible for what they eat and how much they eat. Young children need to be offered food often, including at least three meals and two snacks daily.
Currently we provide lunch and afternoon snatch at no additional cost to our parents, see our monthly menu here.
Healthy children will eat what they need and should not be forced to clean their plate. When children are forced to eat more than what they want, they learn to ignore their signs of hunger and fullness. Children are developing their own internal ability to decide how much or whether to eat. It is important to let children eat until they are full or satisfied, rather than setting limits on how much they eat.
For more information on age appropriate foods go to: Colorado’s Healthier Meals Initiatives
Government Programs
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP offers nutrition assistance to eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities. SNAP is the largest program in the domestic hunger safety net. The Food and Nutrition Service works with State agencies, nutrition educators, and neighborhood and faith-based organizations to ensure that those eligible for nutrition assistance can make informed decisions about applying for the program and can access benefits.
Go to PEAK website for more information and to apply for benefits. http://coloradopeak.force.com/
The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is a supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. This federally-funded nutrition program provides nutrition education, healthy foods, and health referrals for women, infants, and children who qualify. Many families depend on additional support to ensure they are able to afford nutritious foods for their children. The WIC program does require the applicant to meet certain qualifications.
Go to PEAK website for more information and to apply for benefits. http://coloradopeak.force.com/
The Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) provides reimbursement for meals and snacks served to infants and children in early care and education programs, as well as adults with special needs, and elderly adults in community-based day care. CACFP promotes high-quality, affordable child care by helping care professionals to serve nutritious meals and snacks to hungry children. The program offers reimbursement for the cost of food, meal preparation, on-going training and technical assistance, and administration.
Sunset Academy does not participate in the CACFP.