More Nutrition, Less Food Waste in Childcare
As providers of nourishment to young minds, it is crucial for childcare services to prioritize the health of children while also being mindful of minimising food waste. I’ve been talking to childcare centre directors and chefs and it is very often that this concern comes up. In this article, I explore practical strategies to help you enhance the nutritional value of meals while reducing food waste in your kitchen.
Plan Thoughtfully and Strategically
Effective planning lies at the heart of a well-functioning childcare kitchen. By adopting thoughtful and strategic approaches, you can ensure both nutritional adequacy and waste reduction. Here's how:
Menu planning: Develop a weekly menu that encompasses a variety of nutrient-rich foods. Incorporate fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy or plant-based alternatives into different meals. Aim for a colourful and diverse menu that appeals to young taste buds while providing essential nutrients. Consider involving the children and their families in the planning process to allow a more culturally inclusive menu.
You may want to check www.feedaustralia.org.au. For a small fee – free in some cases – you can create menus that comply with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, access a selection of recipes and stock-take, all in one place.
Portion size: Start serving out small portions initially and encourage children to ask for seconds if they are still hungry. Observe their eating patterns and preferences to adjust portion sizes accordingly. Remember, it is better to serve smaller portions and provide seconds than to discard uneaten food. This also allows children to keep in tune with their natural hunger signals. This will also allow you to…
Repurpose leftovers creatively: Transforming leftovers into exciting new dishes is an excellent way to reduce food waste. For example, leftover vegetables can be blended into puree to be frozen – think baby foods – or used as toppings for pizzas.
Little hands can do so much.
Facilitate Children’s Food Curiosity
Creating a positive and interactive food environment can significantly impact children's attitudes towards nutrition and reduce waste. By involving children in the food experience, you empower them to make healthier choices and appreciate the value of food. Consider these activities:
Hands-on cooking and food preparation: Introduce age-appropriate cooking and food preparation activities to engage children in the process. Encourage them to participate in washing fruits and vegetables, assembling sandwiches, or stirring ingredients for a nutritious recipe. This hands-on experience fosters a sense of ownership and curiosity, making children more likely to try new foods and appreciate the effort involved in meal preparation.
Gardening: If feasible, establish a small garden or herb patch. Window sill pots will do it too. Involve children in planting, nurturing and harvesting fresh produce. This immersive experience enables them to witness the journey of food from seed to plate, fostering a deeper connection with nature and promoting healthier eating habits.
Tasting sessions: Organise fun tasting sessions where children can sample new fruits, vegetables and other foods. Encourage open discussions about flavours, textures, and personal food preferences to cultivate a positive relationship with food. At my centre, we once did it with different varieties of apples. It was a huge hit and all children joined in.
For more ideas of activities that support children’s food education, check these two previous blog articles Non-Feeding Food Exposure (part 1) and Non-Feeding Food Exposure (part 2).
Preserve Nutrition
While cooking can alter the nutrient content of certain ingredients, there are strategies you can implement to preserve nutrients as much as possible. Here are three essential tips to help you maintain the nutritional value of cooked foods:
Opt for gentle cooking methods: The cooking method you choose can greatly impact the nutrient retention in the food. Choose methods that involve minimal heat exposure and shorter cooking times. Steaming, sautéing, and stir-frying are excellent options as they allow for quick cooking while retaining nutrients. These methods help preserve water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C and B vitamins that are prone to degradation with prolonged heat exposure.
Preserve cooking water for broths/soups and sauces: When cooking vegetables or grains/legumes, it's common to discard the cooking water. However, this water often contains valuable nutrients that leached out during the cooking process. Instead of discarding it, consider repurposing it for making broths or sauces.
Incorporate raw or lightly cooked ingredients: To maximize nutrient intake, consider incorporating raw or lightly cooked ingredients into your meals. Raw vegetables, fruits and herbs are packed with minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that can be diminished through cooking. This also exposes children to different textures in one meal or of the same food on different occasions.
This previous blog article gives you many ways that you can make the most of the vegetables and fruit and help you keep on budget – not a bad idea, huh?
Bonus tip
Composting: Set up designated compost bins for food scraps and teach children about the importance of composting to create nutrient-rich soil for gardening. This has the potential to instil environmental consciousness in children while minimising the environmental impact of food waste.
Remember, every small step counts. Start by incorporating one or two strategies and gradually expand your efforts over time. As childcare professionals, we have the power to positively impact children's nutrition and reduce food waste. By implementing some of these strategies we can create a nurturing environment that prioritises health, sustainability, and responsible consumption.
