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Dalhousie Parents' Day Care Centre is a not-for-profit, multi-cultural, child care cooperative located in downtown Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Licensed for 59 children (infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarteners), the Centre provides one hot meal and two
snacks for each group, five days a week.
In addition to feeding the children in a healthy way, the Centre contributes to the development of healthy eaters
by introducing a variety of nutritious foods, served in a relaxed and positive atmosphere.
Menus
Menus are planned according to the seasons, with an emphasis on locally grown and organic produce. Foods varying in
color, flavor and texture — fresh cherry tomatoes in summer, lightly steamed broccoli, marinated and baked tofu,
chicken curry and couscous — have been well received and enjoyed. Processed foods are avoided because they are
usually higher in fat and salt. The focus is on whole foods, simply prepared, reflecting the diets enjoyed by the different
ethnic and cultural groups of the Centre.
Encouraging participation...
While the care-givers at the Centre select, prepare and serve the food, each child determines how much food she or he needs.
Staff do not to make assumptions about what foods the children will like or dislike. Kids are more than willing to try
new things when they're able to participate in the preparation of the food. That when mealtime gets really exciting!
Cooking Up Fun
Tried and true day care recipes your kids will love!
For many years, parents have expressed interest in the recipes used at the Centre — their children enjoy the food that much!
So, in response to popular demand, Dalhousie Parent's Day Care recently published a cookbook (May 2006).
Four years in the making — because day care centres are very busy places — this beautiful little book is now available
for you to take home and enjoy with your kids.
All proceeds from sales will help fund creative programs and activities
at the Centre. |
