It is the policy of FACE Children's Center to provide the principles of nutrition education to the children and their families. Therefore, we provide healthy, nutritious meals and snacks following the USDA Bureau of Nutrition guidelines for portions. We also act in accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Education Child Nutrition Programs.

Our menus are posted for families, and recipes are shared upon request.

Parents must supply meals for children with allergies, or because of religious and/or lifestyle beliefs.

Menus are planned with the majority of the children's liked and dislikes in mind. The idea of the food program is to encourage children to eat, try new foods and to make healthy choices about food. We follow the Bureau of Nutrition guidelines for portions, nutrition and food credits.

All required food is put on the child's plate at the beginning of the meal. Food is not withheld for punishment or used as a reward. Teachers will eat at the tables with the children, encouraging them to eat their meals and enjoy each other's company. Teachers will make sure that conversation flows at the table and at times will lead the discussion. Teachers will make sure that children's hands are cleaned before lunch and faces and hands are cleaned after lunch.

Children will make their own sandwich meals, help themselves to second helpings, and will serve themselves afternoon snacks. Children are encouraged to help the teachers set up and clean up the lunch area.