Nutritionally Certified Menus
Both UCCCS locations have on site kitchens and qualified kitchen staff prepare fresh food daily.
All meals and snacks are based on the Canada Food Guide, using the portion sizes it recommends.
- Morning snack: available to the children from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. The snack shall consist of at least two food groups based on the Canada Food Guide.
- Lunch: served to the children between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., depending on the child’s age group. Lunch shall consist of four food groups based on the Canada Food Guide.
- Afternoon snack: available to the children from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. The snack shall consist of at least two food groups based on the Canada Food Guide.
UCCCS has a No-Outside Food Policy and a Nut Aware Policy
Why Our Food Program is Exceptional
At the University Child Care Centre Society (UCCCS), we recognize that nutrition is a vital component of early childhood development. Our Nutritionally Certified Menu is designed to provide balanced, high-quality meals that support children's growth, learning, and well-being.
What Makes Our Food Program Unique?
- Nutritious, Balanced Meals – Our menus follow Canada’s Food Guide and UCCCS Healthy Eating Guidelines, ensuring children receive fresh, nutrient-rich meals that promote healthy development.
- Two Meal Options – Families can choose between our regular menu or a vegetarian menu, both carefully crafted to meet nutritional standards.
- Three Meals Daily, Made On-Site – Our experienced cooks prepare a homemade hot lunch, morning snack, and afternoon snack using high-quality, wholesome ingredients.
- Culturally Inclusive & Allergy-Friendly – We accommodate a variety of dietary needs, ensuring meals are balanced and safe for children with allergies or restrictions.
- Family-Style Dining – Children engage in self-serving, conversation, and shared mealtime experiences, fostering social skills, independence, and positive eating habits.
- Supports Early Learning & Development – Research highlights the critical role of nutrition in cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health, helping children thrive in their early years.
The Benefits of High-Quality Nutrition in Early Childhood
Proper nutrition is essential for young children's growth, brain development, and learning success. Research shows that well-balanced meals in early childhood settings contribute to:
- Cognitive Development – Proper nutrition supports memory, attention span, and overall brain function, laying a strong foundation for academic success.
- Physical Growth & Health – Nutrient-dense meals help prevent childhood obesity, strengthen the immune system, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
- Social & Emotional Well-Being – Family-style dining promotes social skills, self-regulation, and positive mealtime habits that extend into adulthood.
- Lifelong Healthy Eating Habits – Exposure to a variety of fresh, diverse, and culturally inclusive foods helps children develop a love for nutritious eating early on.
Additional Resources on Nutrition and Child Development
For families interested in learning more about the connection between nutrition and early childhood well-being, the following resources offer valuable insights:
- Canada’s Food Guide – Guidelines on balanced meals and portion sizes for young children.
- Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – Early Childhood Nutrition – Information on how diet influences child development.
- Harvard Center on the Developing Child – Research on how nutrition affects brain development and lifelong health.
- Alberta Health Services – Healthy Eating for Children – Practical tips for parents and caregivers on childhood nutrition.
At UCCCS, we are committed to providing high-quality meals that support children's health, learning, and well-being. Our food program plays an integral role in fostering a nurturing and enriching early learning environment.