FOOD POLICY
At Little Sprouts Montessori we serve nutrient-dense, predominantly organic meals and snacks with an emphasis on raw fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and plant-based proteins. We also work with families to accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions. We prepare as many meals as possible out of our garden throughout the growing season. While we are working in our outdoor classroom, the children enjoy snacking on snow peas, cucumbers, tomatoes, kale, and beans fresh out of the garden. 71% of children engaged in gardening programs are more likely to say YES to fresh fruits and vegetables! Learning gardens inspire endless curiosity and connect children to nature.
The children are offered purified drinking water and/or organic milk at mealtimes and have free access to drinking water throughout the day. Even our most persnickety eaters expand their preferences during their time at Little Sprouts to include a wide variety of tastes and textures in their food choices.
Before arrival:
Please serve your child a substantial and sustaining breakfast before they come to school that is low or without processed sugar.
Below are some examples of nutritious breakfasts that set your child up for a SUCCESSFUL day:
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Muesli – Rolled oats, raisins, grated apple, nuts, and cinnamon soaked in apple juice overnight
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Plant milk with low (or no) sugar cereal
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Bagel/Toast/English muffin with peanut or nut butter, vegan butter, or real fruit preserves or jelly
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Vegan eggs and toast or a breakfast sandwich or burrito
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Old fashioned Oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, amaranth, or millet sweetened with real jam or sliced fruit
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Coconut yogurt and granola
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Rice cakes with any type of nut butter
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Pumpkin, banana, zucchini, or sweet potato bread
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Real fruit smoothie (You can add kale or spinach to it for a nutritional boost without even tasting it.)
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Orange Julius – Blend OJ concentrate, plant milk, and a splash of vanilla.
Note :
If you must send breakfast to school with your child, please ensure it is a healthy option. Some examples include:
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Granola or low-sugar granola bars
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Fruit
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Rice crackers with peanut/nut butter
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Avacado toast
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Smoothies
Mid-morning Snack
9:15AM to 10:30AM (Self-Serve)
Mid-morning snack consists of one bread/grain item, fruit and/or fruit juice, milk and/or water.
Lunch
12:30PM
Lunch consists of an entree (serving of protein), one or more servings of fruits and/or vegetables, a bread/grain item, and milk and/or water.
Afternoon Snack
4:15PM
Afternoon snack consists of two items, each serving from two different food groups.
Birthday Celebrations:
* If you would like to bring a low-sugar treat for your child to share, feel free to be creative.
Some examples:
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Muffins
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Fruit kabobs
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No bake cookies
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Chocolate covered strawberries/bananas
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Frozen plant-based yogurt
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Fruity popsicles, fruit salad
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Ants on a Log (celery/PB or nut butter/raisins)
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PB/nut butter and pumpkin balls
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Frozen grapes
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Granola, granola bars