Healthy Food & CACFP Meal Plans at Rise Learning Center

tanishacarothers
Aug 1
2 min read

How We Fuel Your Child’s Growth—One Bite at a Time

At Rise Learning Center, we believe nutrition is just as important as early learning. The food children eat fuels their bodies, shapes their habits, and even supports brain development. That’s why we proudly follow CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program) guidelines to offer balanced, nourishing meals every day.

Whether your child is just starting solids or building independence with a spoon, we’re committed to serving food that is healthy, kid-friendly, and culturally respectful.

What is CACFP and Why Does It Matter?

The CACFP is a federal program that helps early childhood centers like ours serve meals that meet specific nutrition standards for growing children. These standards ensure children get the right balance of:

Fruits & Vegetables
Whole Grains
Lean Proteins
Low-fat or non-fat dairy
Limited added sugars and sodium

Meals are planned to support energy, development, and healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

🧃 What Your Child Might Eat at Rise:

Here’s an example of a CACFP-compliant daily meal plan we might serve:

Menus rotate weekly and are posted in our classrooms and on Brightwheel so you always know what your child is eating.

Menu Example

🍌 Breakfast

Whole grain toast
Fresh banana slices
Milk

🍗 Lunch

Grilled chicken
Brown rice
Steamed green beans
Fresh fruit
Milk

🍪 PM Snack

Whole grain graham crackers
Yogurt or fresh fruit

👶 We Consider Allergies & Dietary Needs

Does your child have food allergies, restrictions, or family preferences? Let us know! We will work with you to create a safe, respectful alternative meal plan.

🍽️ Tips for Encouraging Healthy Eating at Home

1. Offer a variety of colors and textures

Expose your child to fruits, v

eggies, and grains in different forms—raw, cooked, crunchy, soft.

2. Make meals family time

Even toddlers benefit from sitting at the table with caregivers for meals and snacks.

3. Model healthy choices

Kids learn best by watching what you do. Talk about trying new foods and drinking water.

4. Don’t stress about picky eating

It can take up to 10 exposures before a child accepts a new food. Keep offering without pressure!

💬 Final Note

Healthy eating is a team effort. At Rise Learning Center, we’re proud to be your partner in raising strong, happy, well-nourished children—one meal at a time.

Have questions about our food program or want to see a copy of our menu? We’re happy to share! Just reach out anytime.