Making Mealtime Meaningful with Culture and Foods

When planning snacks and meals, keep in mind the different ethnic backgrounds of the children in your center. If you are unfamiliar with foods from the different cultures, ask the parents about the kinds of food they serve at home.

Consider regional, cultural and personal food preferences when planning your menus. Introduce new foods one at a time and remember that children frequently will not like new food the first several times you offer it.

There are holidays and special occasions throughout the calendar year that provide numerous opportunities for you to apply your menu planning skills. Keep in mind seasonal availability of fresh fruits and vegetables. Usually when fresh fruits and vegetables are “in season” they are reasonably priced and of top quality.

You can have parent potluck dinners where each family brings a favorite dish. Create a recipe book of these favorite foods. Invite parents to help prepare food. Always make sure that a staff person with a current food handler’s card and knowledge about proper food handling helps prepare the food.

Related Training:
Making Meal Time Meaningful
Multicultural Cooking: A Taste of Jamaica
Multicultural Cooking: A Taste of Mexico