Nutrition

In order to provide a positive role model for Head Start children and their families, it is our policy to serve foods which are healthy and nutritious. By providing healthy foods we create an environment that supports our commitment to high nutritional standards.

NUTRITION: (5 CCR 18278)

HSCDP promotes high standards of nutrition in all aspects of the program. Good nutrition is seen as a vital link to learning and overall health. Children, families and staff are encouraged to develop healthy eating habits:

• A healthy food policy was created by the Program Policy Council (PPC) that supports the inclusion of healthy foods in centers and at parent functions.
• Children are served breakfast, lunch and snack, depending upon their hours of attendance.
• Menus focus on fresh seasonal foods and offer a variety to introduce children to new foods in different ways.
• Menus are culturally and developmentally appropriate for the age of the children served and meet or exceed Child Care Food Program nutritional requirements.
• Meals are cooked on site for each classroom by trained cooks.
• Meals are served family style and children are allowed to choose the foods they eat.
• Staff or adult volunteers are at each table to model politeness and provide a pleasant, relaxing atmosphere to allow children opportunities for socialization and to develop healthy attitudes about food.
• The Food for Thought Curriculum is used in classrooms to extend learning about the foods that are served.
• Nutrition information is provided to all families through newsletters, recipes, monthly menus, parent education sessions and home visits.
• Colorful nutrition education information and menus are displayed in parent rooms reflecting the meals served and any current topics that promote healthy eating.
• Heights and weights screenings for children are conducted in classrooms twice yearly and parents are informed of any concerns and given information or referrals if indicated.

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement 2025

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the State or local Agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

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