Food Program

At The Sandlot, we actively engage in the USDA Food Program. This is a federally funded Child Care Food Program (CCFP) designed to provide children with healthy and balanced meals during their time in care.

As licensed childcare providers, we are reimbursed by the CCFP for serving meals and snacks that meet the USDA requirements to the children in our care. Parents can rest assured that there is no additional cost for their child to participate in this program and that their child will always be served a nutritious, well-balanced and child friendly meal that will promote ultimate health.

Our Meal times that are set forth by the Food Program and cannot be served outside of these meal times:

Meal Times

Here at The Sandlot, we believe that a healthy lifestyle begins with a proper diet. After all, healthy eating is important for the proper formation of bones, teeth, muscles and a healthy heart. Your child’s diet can affect growth and development, so we make sure that every meal or snack your child eats meets or exceeds the USDA Food guidelines expectations.

How do you get them to eat that?:

It is hard for preschoolers to eat enough in three meals to provide the nutrients and calories they need. As part of our food program, we will offer snacks between meals to manage this need. Snack time is a great time to introduce new foods that the child may not be used to. Never under estimate what you think your child might eat. Our policy is that you don’t have to like it, but every one has to try at least one bite before they get to decide that they don’t like it. You will be surprised at the foods that your child will learn to love to eat. Many times children will refuse food at mealtimes, but accept them at snack time. Snacks should provide more than just calories. They should be a regular component of the child’s overall nutritional program.

What’s Your Role?

As your child’s parents, you can also help promote good nutrition by setting a good example. Healthy eating habits and regular exercise should be a regular part of your family’s life. It is much easier if everyone in the house follows these guidelines, than if your child has to do it alone. As they say, “Monkey see, Monkey do!”

Food Program rules

No outside food of any kind, excluding holiday parties and birthdays
All meals must be served at their meal times designated by the CCFP
Only healthy food and snacks will be served by the provider that meet the daily food guidelines of the USDA Food Program.
All children must be enrolled into the food program prior to enrollment of daycare
All children are entitled to enroll in the food program regardless of age, gender, race, income or religion

Sample of food we serve

Breakfast – Oatmeal, apples and milk

Morning snack – Eggs, wheat toast, blueberries and milk or water

Lunch – Chicken breast, pasta noodles, peas/carrots, pears and milk

Afternoon snack – Yogurt, graham crackers, bananas and milk or water

Food we won't serve

Fast food of any kind
Foods high in salt or sugar
Box Mac and Cheese, canned pastas, or frozen dinners/meals
Chips, candy, soda, or drinks with caffeine
Foods that include food dye, like gummy fruit snacks

The above list does not include all exclusions of foods not served)