Food Guidelines

Snack time is an excellent opportunity to teach children about good nutrition. It is a time to feed both the body and the brain. Children are dependent on their families, caregivers and communities to provide a nurturing environment that will enable them to become healthy and productive adults. Optimal nutrition is an investment in the future. That is why Silverspot has a firm policy regarding snacks and meals. Vegetarian foods are prepared to share with the children, although meat is acceptable in lunches brought from home. We follow the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children that recommends whole foods from four basic groups: whole grains, fresh fruit and vegetables, protein foods and natural dairy products. Foods that include a lot of fats, oils, sweeteners and Salt are strongly discouraged.

Whole Grains

Whole grains (wheat, rye, oats, barley, rice, millet) provide children with needed fiber, iron, vitamins, and energy. A product is considered whole grain if the first ingredient listed on the label includes the word "whole". For example, bread made from "whole wheat flour" is a good choice, while bread made from "wheat flour" is simply white bread. Avoid artificial preservatives (EDTA, BHA BHT, Sodium Nitrate, Polysorbate 80, etc.), colors and flavors.
  • Whole grain breads, bagels and crackers
  • Brown rice cakes
  • Corn or whole wheat tortillas
  • Homemade bread, muffins (honey or fruit juice-sweetened), vegetable pizza, pasta, or casseroles

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables provide important vitamin, minerals, and fiber. Children need atleast one Vitamin C food (citrus and tomatoes) and one vitamin A food (dark green, leafy green, dark yellow vegetables) each day for optimal health. Please wash all fresh fruits (including bananas) and vegetables and cut into bite-sized pieces.
  • Fresh fruit such as berries, pitted cherries, oranges, apples, pears, bananas, melons, plums, peaches and pineapple
  • Raw vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, cucumber, peppers, and green beans

Proteins

Foods such as cooked dry beans and tofu supply the bosy with needed protein, iron, and minerals. Made into dips, these protein foods make snack time fun.
  • Hummus and other bean dips
  • Tofu and soybeans

Natural Dairy Products

Dairy products are an important source of calcium for strong teeth and bones and contain other nutrients necessary for bodily function an growth.
  • Unprocessed cheese
  • Plain yogurt with "live active cultures" sweetened with vanilla, fresh fruit or honey and served with fruit or granola