2023 Nutrition

Beverage choices that are adopted during childhood affect health across a lifespan. Learn about the consumption of sugar in our everyday drinks and new ways to introduce water as a healthy alternative to children participating in CACFP.

Food is vital fuel for growing children—but how does it all work? How do you get kids to try new foods? Get a crash course in nutrition, exercise, and why what you eat matters. Level up your creditable meals with nutrient-dense food and how to make meal times interactive to encourage kids to try new foods. Be ready to get up, move around, and create meals with us!

Diversity and inclusion for young children can begin with exploring foods from around the world. Introducing children to foods from other cultures when you have choosy eaters can feel like a daunting task. Helping children respect differences comes from exposing them to how food looks in the homes of their classmates and by holding an open dialogue that takes the fight out of trying new foods.

Snacks are a great opportunity for young children to fill nutrient gaps and establish healthy eating habits. Learn how to maximize snack-time nutrition by pairing minimally processed dairy foods, like milk, cheese and yogurt, with other wholesome foods to easily create tasty mini-meals!

Learn about the importance of introducing different foods at early ages and how that helps create a food culture in young children. Discuss the responsibilities and best practices for establishing these habits early to teach your children to be open to tasting new yummy foods.

Join the Culinary Institute of Child Nutrition’s Chefs as they take you through a series of activities and exercises to understand the five basic tastes and how to make your menu items more flavorful.

Learn easy and practical ways to meaningfully assist families and ECE program staff with breastfeeding. Gain confidence by discovering how-tos for honoring families’ feeding choices and receive free toolkit materials.

Our relationship with food develops at an early age. Labeling certain foods as “bad” or calling someone a “good eater” or “picky eater” can create unintended harmful effects that can follow kids through life. Learn how to help kids cultivate a good relationship with food from the start. 

No meat? No problem! Explore how plant-based eating has evolved and is tastier than ever for kids. Discover the versatility it provides and how to incorporate more into your menus. 

Learn how to implement a Garden to Early Childhood program model in your curriculum. Hear about suggested best practices, fundamentals of teaching gardening to young children, planning year-round gardening activities, and incorporating a garden-to-table element for a healthy and fresh food program.