Good nutrition in the early years sets the foundation for lifelong health. Here's how we approach food at Jenny's ELC — and how you can build on it at home.
Why Nutrition Matters in the Early Years
The first five years of life are a critical period for physical growth, brain development, and the establishment of lifelong eating habits. Children who develop a positive relationship with a wide variety of foods in early childhood are more likely to maintain healthy eating patterns throughout their lives.
Our Approach to Food at Jenny's ELC
At Jenny's ELC, we provide all meals and snacks as part of our daily program. Our menus are developed by qualified nutritionists and reviewed regularly to ensure they meet the nutritional needs of children at each developmental stage.
Our meals are:
- Fresh and seasonal — we use fresh ingredients and avoid highly processed foods
- Culturally inclusive — our menus reflect the diversity of our communities
- Allergy-aware — we have robust procedures for managing dietary requirements and allergies
- Garden-connected — at many of our centres, children grow vegetables and herbs that feature in our meals
Supporting Fussy Eaters
Fussy eating is extremely common in toddlers and preschoolers — it's a normal part of development. Our educators are trained to support positive food experiences without pressure or coercion.
Research consistently shows that pressuring children to eat can backfire, creating negative associations with food. Instead, we use a "division of responsibility" approach: educators decide what food is offered and when; children decide whether to eat and how much.
Extending Good Nutrition at Home
Here are some practical ways to build on what we do at the centre:
- Eat together when you can. Family mealtimes are powerful — children learn by watching adults eat a variety of foods.
- Offer new foods repeatedly. It can take 10–15 exposures to a new food before a child accepts it. Don't give up after the first rejection.
- Involve children in food preparation. Children are more likely to try foods they've helped prepare.
- Keep mealtimes positive. Avoid battles over food. Offer what you've prepared, eat it yourself, and let your child decide how much to eat.
