Not healthy food served at daycare/pre-school

[Anonymous]

I have an issue with the morning and afternoon snacks served to my almost 4 year old at daycare/pre-school. Things like cheez-its, nilla wafers, breakfast bars and little to no fruits or veggies. I've starting sending alternative food for him but feel conflicted that he's being made to have something different than the other kids and the other kids aren't getting healthier foods to eat.

If you were a parent in his class (there are less than 10 kids), what would you think if another parent reached out to share responsibility of sending better snack foods for the class?

[Anonymous]

So the parents bring in the snacks?

I think they are bringing in what's easy and affordable. Set an example when it's your turn.

If it's the school, you could ask about serving fruit.

[Anonymous]

I would just send some fruit or veggies to go with the school snack. I don't think a couple of cheezits are terrible in addition to healthy meals. If it is a huge deal to you, change daycares.

[Anonymous]

There should be a variety of snacks.

[Anonymous]

Were the snacks mentioned during your tour, so, did they give an idea about what they would serve? If they mentioned fruit and similar 'better' snacks, then that also gives some backing to you when/if you decide to raise the topic.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have an issue with the morning and afternoon snacks served to my almost 4 year old at daycare/pre-school. Things like cheez-its, nilla wafers, breakfast bars and little to no fruits or veggies. I've starting sending alternative food for him but feel conflicted that he's being made to have something different than the other kids and the other kids aren't getting healthier foods to eat.

If you were a parent in his class (there are less than 10 kids), what would you think if another parent reached out to share responsibility of sending better snack foods for the class?

I hear you, I do. But tread lightly. You don't want to be the parent imposing your food attitudes on other kids. It's one thing for you own kid....

[Anonymous]

If fruits and veggies are part of meals is it necessary for them to be included in snack?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have an issue with the morning and afternoon snacks served to my almost 4 year old at daycare/pre-school. Things like cheez-its, nilla wafers, breakfast bars and little to no fruits or veggies. I've starting sending alternative food for him but feel conflicted that he's being made to have something different than the other kids and the other kids aren't getting healthier foods to eat.

If you were a parent in his class (there are less than 10 kids), what would you think if another parent reached out to share responsibility of sending better snack foods for the class?

HA! Get used to it! School lunches SUCK

[Anonymous]

There was an issue like this at our daycare center earlier. The meals were fine, but the snacks were pretty subpar. Some parents volunteered to research other options and find one that was within the center's budget, and they switched. Of course, some parents still complain about the snacks, but they are much improved and at least every morning snack includes fruit (can't recall whether the afternoon snack does).

Which is to say, you can reach out to parents and you may find some are receptive. But unless it's the norm for parents to supply snacks, I wouldn't imagine that a whole lot of parents want to take on the job and expense of sending different snacks. You'll have more luck offering to research alternatives.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There was an issue like this at our daycare center earlier. The meals were fine, but the snacks were pretty subpar. Some parents volunteered to research other options and find one that was within the center's budget, and they switched. Of course, some parents still complain about the snacks, but they are much improved and at least every morning snack includes fruit (can't recall whether the afternoon snack does).

Which is to say, you can reach out to parents and you may find some are receptive. But unless it's the norm for parents to supply snacks, I wouldn't imagine that a whole lot of parents want to take on the job and expense of sending different snacks. You'll have more luck offering to research alternatives.

What snacks did they find? Our daycare just switched to Cheese-its and Nilla wafers... there HAVE to be better options. They were serving hot breakfasts and fruits/ veggies for snacks...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have an issue with the morning and afternoon snacks served to my almost 4 year old at daycare/pre-school. Things like cheez-its, nilla wafers, breakfast bars and little to no fruits or veggies. I've starting sending alternative food for him but feel conflicted that he's being made to have something different than the other kids and the other kids aren't getting healthier foods to eat.

If you were a parent in his class (there are less than 10 kids), what would you think if another parent reached out to share responsibility of sending better snack foods for the class?

What would I think? That you have too much time on your hands, but there are worse ways to spend it. I would not help you but would not get in your way and would be vaguely supportive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I have an issue with the morning and afternoon snacks served to my almost 4 year old at daycare/pre-school. Things like cheez-its, nilla wafers, breakfast bars and little to no fruits or veggies. I've starting sending alternative food for him but feel conflicted that he's being made to have something different than the other kids and the other kids aren't getting healthier foods to eat.

If you were a parent in his class (there are less than 10 kids), what would you think if another parent reached out to share responsibility of sending better snack foods for the class?

What would I think? That you have too much time on your hands, but there are worse ways to spend it. I would not help you but would not get in your way and would be vaguely supportive.

Same. Would it be nice if someone else organized allergen safe, healthy snacks for daycare? Sure! Am I going to do it? No, there's a reason I send my kid to a daycare where food is provided. (My daycare is about half and half snacks I think are good and snacks I think are a bit overprocessed.)

[Anonymous]

School lunch and snack are universally terrible in the United States. So unhealthy. Teach him to always eat his own fruit and veg snacks. Bring in a bagged lunch of fruit, veg, whole grains.

Just say no to junk! We are poisoning our children.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have an issue with the morning and afternoon snacks served to my almost 4 year old at daycare/pre-school. Things like cheez-its, nilla wafers, breakfast bars and little to no fruits or veggies. I've starting sending alternative food for him but feel conflicted that he's being made to have something different than the other kids and the other kids aren't getting healthier foods to eat.

If you were a parent in his class (there are less than 10 kids), what would you think if another parent reached out to share responsibility of sending better snack foods for the class?

First, I would find out why the snacks changed.

I had a kid years ago who couldn't have a lot of those snacks. We never did pinpoint the issue, whether it was dyes or what. I sent what he could have, and that's what he ate.

If at least half the parents were on board I would gladly assist with providing snack.

Your first step though, should be to talk to the center.

[Anonymous]

They are trying to maximize their profit and serve foods that are easy. Apples are cheap but need cutting up, which takes time and you need a space and a knife. Cheezits you just pour out. I agree with you but just saying this is why they’re serving what they’re serving.