Introducing New Foods and Menu Planning for Early Learning Environments

It is essential that children and their families understand healthy choices concerning the food they eat. It is critical that various nutritional needs of the children are considered when planning meals and snacks in the early childhood care setting.

This assignment has two parts. Part 1 is an overview of introducing young children to new foods and Part 2 is a 3-day menu plan for the age group of your choice. Use the Unit 6 Assignment Template to complete this assignment.

Part 1: Introduction New Foods

In a two-paragraph overview, address the following items below on introducing new foods to young children:

What is the importance of introducing young children to new foods?
Discuss four strategies you would use to encourage young children to try new foods.
Part 2: Menu Planning

In this part of the assignment, you will create a 3-day menu plan for the age group of your choice that would be appropriate for the early learning environment. Your menu must include:

Identification of specific age group
2-3 year-olds
4-5 year-olds
6-8 year-olds
Food choices for breakfast
1 serving of fruit
1 serving of whole grain
1 serving of diary
Food choices for lunch
1 serving from all 4 food groups (protein, fruits/vegetables, whole grains, dairy)
1 recommended ‘new food’ for young children to try
Food choices for two snacks
1 serving from at least 2 different food groups (protein, fruits/vegetables, whole grains, dairy)
Alternative food choices for children with allergies, food preferences (vegetarians, etc.), or other dietary restrictions

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