Phyllis Bodel Childcare Center Lunch Guidelines
Based on our Phyllis Bodel policies and the American Academy of Pediatrics, Guidelines for Out of Home Child Care Programs
Phyllis Bodel Child Care Center does not allow these foods at any age:
- Peanut Butter
- Hard Pretzels
- Mini marshmallows/marshmallows
- Popcorn
- Peanuts or Tree Nuts
- Chips
- Hard Candy
- Cookies or desserts
After the Age of 4 children may have the following food in our center:
(Not appropriate for children under 4)
- Raw peas
- Raw carrots (in rounds)
- Whole grapes
- Hot dogs (whole or sliced into rounds)
- Fish/chicken with bones
- Seeds
- Celery
- Chunks of meat larger than can be swallowed whole.
- Rice cakes
- Raisins/Dried Fruit (small pieces in baked goods are acceptable)
Infants and Toddlers
- Toddlers must have meats and other “non-mushy” food cut into ½ in cube size or smaller
- Infant food must be cut into ¼ inch cubes or smaller
Easy ways to change foods to make them safe.
Raisins/ Dried Fruit
- Make sure to cut into pieces small enough for your child’s age group
Hot Dogs
- Cut in quarters lengthwise, then cut into small pieces
Whole grapes
- Cut in half lengthwise
Raw carrots
- Cooked and cut into thin strips or chopped
*Over four years old, chop carrot finely or cut into thin strips
Fish/Chicken with bones
- Remove the bones
All containers (bottoms, lids, and lunchboxes) must be labeled with your child’s first and last name.
Cleaning Lunchboxes: please regularly clean the inside of lunch boxes, and launder as necessary.
Food Storage: Lunchboxes are not put into a refrigerator. Please be sure to include cold packs and use thermoses to maintain appropriate food temperatures to avoid food borne illness.
Updated 3/25/24