Kindergarten lunchtime is a beneficial tool to help teach children how to make healthful food choices. When coming up with a lunch plan for a class, keep in mind the U.S. Department of Agriculture's "MyPyramid" for kids to ensure that you provide a healthful and balanced meal or snack. This means including each of the major food groups, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy.
Fruits and Vegetables
When trying to keep snacks satisfying yet healthful for kindergartners, fresh fruits and vegetables should be a primary concern. Fruits and vegetables can make their way into lunch in a wide variety of ways. Many fruits such as apples, oranges and melon slices and most vegetables such as carrots, green peppers, celery and cauliflower, are not only good for kids, but also can be fun finger foods. Match the fruits and vegetables with a healthful dip, such as fat-free yogurt for fruit or low-fat ranch dressing or hummus for vegetables. Fruit also can come from fruit juice as a drink. Choose 100 percent fruit juices with as little added sugar as possible.
Whole Grains
Whole grains provide the fiber and complex carbohydrates kindergartners need to maintain energy. Add whole grains through sandwich squares made with whole grain bread, or through side snacks such as whole grain pretzels or whole grain pita chips. Use whole grain pasta for kid-friendly pasta salads mixed with fresh veggies and cubes of string cheese.
Proteins
Proteins are an important part of the children's food group pyramid, and can be introduced into lunch for kindergartners in several ways. Hummus spread on bread or pitas can add protein through beans, or peanut butter can provide protein through the peanuts. Sandwiches also can be made with nitrate-free, low-sodium deli meats such as turkey breast or ham for even more protein. Reduced-fat cheese, whether by itself or in a sandwich, can also provide protein through dairy, as well as low-fat milk for a drink.
Special Concerns
When developing a lunch menu for kindergartners, it's important to keep parents involved. Parents have important information regarding not only what a child may like or dislike, but also about potentially serious allergies to food, especially regarding common allergies such as dairy, wheat and nuts. Ask each parent to fill out a food survey to keep on file. Refrain from using ingredients that a child in the group is allergic to, or provide an alternative for a child who may not be able to eat a specific food.
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