Phyllis Bodel Childcare Center Lunch Guidelines
Based on USDA requirements, American Academy of Pediatrics, Caring for Our Children, NAEYC Requirements and OEC Regulations
Children’s lunches should be made up of fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein. All foods brought in must be free of added sugars and low in sodium, and also be of nutritional value. Bodel will provide whole milk to children under the age of 2, and 1% milk to children age 2 and up. Nondairy milk must be supplied by the family.
We do not allow the following foods for all ages:
- Tree nuts, peanuts, including oils and butters
- Candy of any kind
- Marshmallows
- Popcorn
- Large nuts or seeds (e.g., sunflower seeds)
- Pretzels, chips & other nonnutritive snacks
- Crackers (exception: Triscuits are allowed)
- Raw peas
- Cookies, cakes, jell-o, muffins, fruit snacks, fruit bars, granola bars or any other treats containing sugar
We do not allow the following foods for children under 4:
- Hot dogs and other meat sticks
- Raw carrot rounds
- Whole grapes
- Rice cakes
- Chunks of meat larger than can be swallowed whole
- Fish or chicken with bones
- Raisins or dried fruit
Infants and Toddlers
- Infant food must be cut into ¼ inch cubes
- Toddler food must be cut into ½ inch cubes
All containers (bottoms, lids, lunchboxes) must be labeled with your child’s first and last name.
Lunchboxes must include a cold pack and be insulated to maintain appropriate food temperatures to avoid foodborne illness. They will not be refrigerated.
Please clean the inside of your child’s lunch box regularly.
rev. 1.19.2021