Nutrition & Meals
Fueling healthy bodies and minds with nutritious, delicious meals
Our Commitment to Healthy Eating
At Learning Tree Academy, we believe that proper nutrition is fundamental to children's growth, development, and learning. Our on-site kitchens prepare fresh, balanced meals daily using quality ingredients. We follow Department guidelines and accommodate various dietary needs.
All meals and snacks are included in tuition—no need to pack lunches!
Our Nutrition Philosophy
Fresh & Wholesome
We prioritize fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Meals are prepared from scratch daily in our commercial kitchens.
Variety & Balance
Children are exposed to diverse flavors, textures, and cuisines, building adventurous eaters and healthy habits.
Minimal Processing
We limit processed foods, added sugars, and artificial ingredients. When possible, we source organic and local ingredients.
Child Involvement
Children participate in food preparation, gardening, and learning about nutrition through hands-on activities.
Family-Style Dining
Children serve themselves and eat together, developing social skills, independence, and healthy portion awareness.
Accommodations
We work with families to accommodate allergies, religious restrictions, and cultural food preferences.
👶 Infant Feeding
For our youngest children, we work closely with families to provide individualized feeding that matches each baby's schedule and dietary needs.
🍃 Dietary Accommodations
We are committed to meeting the diverse dietary needs of all children in our care.
Allergies & Intolerances
We take food allergies very seriously:
- Detailed allergy documentation required
- Alternative meals provided at no extra cost
- Staff trained in allergy management
- EpiPens and emergency plans in place
- Nut-aware environments (varies by classroom)
Vegetarian & Vegan
We accommodate plant-based diets:
- Protein alternatives (beans, tofu, legumes)
- Plant-based milk options
- Balanced vegetarian/vegan meal planning
- Consultation with our nutritionist
Religious & Cultural
We respect dietary laws and preferences:
- Halal and Kosher accommodations
- Hindu vegetarian options
- No pork policy (available if needed)
- Custom meal planning for cultural needs
Medical Diets
Special diets for medical conditions:
- Gluten-free (Celiac disease)
- Dairy-free (lactose intolerance)
- Diabetic meal planning
- Texture-modified foods (as needed)
- Doctor's note required
📚 Nutrition Education
We integrate nutrition education into our curriculum to help children develop healthy relationships with food.
🌱 Garden to Table
Children plant, grow, harvest, and prepare vegetables from our campus gardens, connecting them to where food comes from.
👨🍳 Cooking Classes
Age-appropriate cooking activities teach math, science, following directions, and kitchen safety.
🍎 Food Exploration
Tasting parties, sensory activities, and discussions about colors, textures, and flavors of different foods.
📖 Stories & Songs
Books and music about healthy eating, nutrition, and food from around the world.
🎨 Creative Art
Food-themed art projects and dramatic play experiences in our pretend kitchens and grocery stores.
👪 Family Engagement
Recipe sharing, nutrition newsletters, and family cooking nights throughout the year.
✅ Our Kitchen Standards
Allergy Protocols
Strict cross-contamination prevention and separate preparation areas for allergen-free meals.
Regular health inspections with consistently excellent ratings.
Fresh Preparation
Meals prepared fresh daily—never frozen or pre-packaged entrees.
Nutrition FAQs
Can I see the weekly menu?
Yes! Menus are posted weekly in our parent app and at each campus. You'll receive the menu every Friday for the upcoming week.
What if my child is a picky eater?
We never force children to eat. We encourage trying new foods through positive modeling and peer influence. Many picky eaters become more adventurous in our social dining environment! We also ensure there's at least one familiar food at each meal.
Do you serve organic food?
When possible and budget-permitting, we choose organic options, especially for the "Dirty Dozen" fruits and vegetables. We prioritize organic dairy and meats.
Can my child bring food from home?
Due to allergy concerns and licensing requirements, we prefer that children eat meals provided by the center. Home lunches may be allowed with director approval and must meet nutritional standards.
Are sugary treats ever served?
We limit added sugars and reserve treats for special occasions like birthdays. Even then, we offer healthier options like fruit-based desserts or whole grain baked goods.
What about birthday celebrations?
We celebrate birthdays with non-food items (books, stickers) or healthy treats. If you'd like to bring something, please coordinate with your child's teacher in advance.
Questions About Our Nutrition Program?
We're happy to discuss your child's specific dietary needs and preferences.