At Head Start, your child will receive a nutritionally balanced breakfast, lunch, and snack. Menus are designed to meet at least on-half to two-thirds of your child’s daily requirements as stipulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). The daily menus offer a variety of food from all food groups and will be served in a family style setting or school cafeteria. During mealtimes, your child will learn to make healthy food choices and learn good nutrition habits that can last him/her a lifetime. Monthly classroom food experiences are planned to help children understand the relationship of nutrition education as it relates to good health. Head Start participates with the USDA/CACFP program and follows their guidelines. Documentation from a physician or medical authority must be on file for any child who is unable to consume certain foods because of medical reasons or who have special dietary needs.

Most centers serve breakfast at 9:00 a.m., lunch at 12:00 noon, and snack at 2:00 p.m. Your child’s teacher will inform you of their center’s meal schedule. Head Start does not force children to eat; however, we do encourage children to taste different foods. Food is never used as a punishment or a reward. Head Start menus also limit the fat and sugar content of food.

Foods prepared at home may not be served in the Head Start centers.

In accordance with federal law and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20250-9410, or call (800) 795-3272 (Voice) or (202)720-6382 (TTY). UDSA is and equal opportunity provider and employer.