Building Better Eating Habits in Daycares: Simple Tips for Busy Parents

As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their health and nutrition. One area that often gets overlooked amidst the busy routines of daily life is the food kids eat at daycare. With all the responsibilities parents juggle, it’s easy to fall back on convenience, but teaching kids healthy eating habits from a young age is crucial to their development and well-being.

At Premier Central Kitchen, we believe every child deserves to enjoy nutritious meals that support their growth and keep them energized throughout the day. With over 30 years of experience in preparing fresh, made-from-scratch meals, we know that building better eating habits in daycare settings doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some simple tips for busy parents to help their children develop healthier eating habits—both at daycare and at home.

1. Start with Fresh, Whole Foods

One of the simplest ways to ensure your child is eating well is to choose meals made with fresh, whole ingredients. Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, provide the essential nutrients children need to fuel their minds and bodies.

At Premier Central Kitchen, we focus on using locally sourced, fresh ingredients in every meal. This means no frozen meals, no preservatives, and no MSG—just wholesome, made-from-scratch dishes that nourish both body and spirit. By prioritizing fresh, quality ingredients, daycares can offer children meals that support their growth and development, helping them stay focused, happy, and healthy.

2. Incorporate Variety into Meal Plans

Variety is key when it comes to developing healthy eating habits. Offering a range of fruits, vegetables, and proteins throughout the week not only ensures children get a diverse set of nutrients but also keeps meal times interesting. Kids can be picky eaters, so introducing new flavours and textures gradually can help them develop a more adventurous palate.

Daycare meal plans should feature a mix of nutrient-dense foods to give children the best chance to explore different flavours. From grilled chicken to hearty vegetable soups, a variety of fresh, balanced options can help your child develop a broader appreciation for healthy eating. At Premier Central Kitchen, we work with daycare providers to create rotating menus that give children a rich variety of foods they can enjoy every day.

3. Create Positive Mealtime Experiences

Making mealtime enjoyable is another important step in building healthy eating habits. If meal times feel rushed, stressful, or unappealing, children may develop negative associations with food. Instead, try to create calm, relaxed environments where children can enjoy their meals without distractions.

For daycares, this might mean establishing a consistent mealtime routine that encourages children to sit down, enjoy their food, and socialise with their peers. A positive mealtime environment helps children develop healthy eating habits by teaching them that food is something to be enjoyed and savoured.

4. Be a Role Model

Children are incredibly observant and often mimic the behaviours they see at home and at daycare. If they see parents and caregivers enjoying healthy meals and making good food choices, they are more likely to follow suit.

Parents can set a good example by prioritising fresh, wholesome foods in their own diets. When children observe their parents eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious foods, they are more likely to develop a similar appreciation for these foods. Similarly, daycare staff can also influence children’s eating habits by modelling healthy choices, helping to reinforce the message that nutritious food is both enjoyable and important.

5. Choose a Daycare with a Focus on Healthy, Nutritious Meals

As a busy parent, it’s often not feasible to prepare fresh meals for your child every single day. That’s where the right daycare provider comes in. Look for daycares that offer meal programs focused on nutrition and fresh, made-from-scratch meals.

At Premier Central Kitchen, we work with daycare centres to ensure children receive fresh, balanced meals that support their health. We believe that kids deserve food that not only tastes great but also provides the necessary nutrients for their growing bodies. Whether it’s a school lunch or a daycare meal, our catering services focus on delivering nutritious, delicious meals made from scratch every day.

6. Teach Kids the Importance of Eating Healthy

While children might not understand all the complexities of nutrition, it’s never too early to start teaching them about the importance of healthy food. Encourage them to eat a variety of foods by explaining how different foods help their bodies grow strong and give them energy for play and learning.

Daycare staff can also help reinforce these lessons by talking to kids about where their food comes from and why it’s important to eat a balanced meal. At Premier Central Kitchen, we believe that food education is key to developing a positive relationship with food. That’s why we take the time to craft meals that are both nutritious and delicious, helping kids understand the connection between healthy eating and feeling good.

7. Focus on Sustainability

Incorporating sustainable practices into meal planning can teach children important lessons about taking care of the planet. Choose meal providers who prioritize sustainable sourcing and eco-friendly practices, like using locally sourced ingredients and minimizing waste.

At Premier Central Kitchen, sustainability is an essential part of our philosophy. We work with local suppliers to reduce our environmental footprint and ensure the ingredients in our meals are grown and harvested with care for the planet. Teaching kids about the impact of their food choices can help them develop habits that benefit both their health and the environment.

Wrapping Up

Building better eating habits in daycares doesn’t require drastic changes or complicated meal planning. By focusing on fresh, wholesome ingredients, creating positive mealtime experiences, and choosing meal providers who prioritise nutrition, daycares can help children develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.

At Premier Central Kitchen, we’re passionate about making healthy, fresh meals accessible to kids at daycare centres. By choosing our catering services, daycares can ensure that every meal is packed with the nutrition kids need to thrive, without compromising on taste or quality. After all, great food isn’t just about filling up—it’s about nourishing kids and helping them grow into happy, healthy individuals.

If you're a parent or daycare provider looking to improve your child’s meals, we’re here to help. Let’s work together to create positive, lasting habits around food that will benefit kids for years to come.