Nutrition & Meals

The staff at MARS Early Learning Academy know that good nutrition contributes to effective learning in children. Numerous studies have demonstrated that eating breakfast regularly will boost your child's ability to learn, to think quickly, to pay attention and even to get along with others.

Our child nutrition program includes breakfast, lunch, and one snacks in the afternoon. We strive to provide meals that are nutritionally balanced and meet requirements regarding food components and portion size. We follow USDA guidelines for meals and snacks served at the center, as required by the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) childcare licensing. All food brought into the center by children must also meet the USDA standards. Children that cannot eat what the center provides (whether for medical, allergy or religious reasons) must have a written note from their doctor or parent. Parents will be responsible for providing substitutions for food that children are not able/allowed to eat, and substitutions must meet USDA guidelines for nutrition.

All food brought into the center for the purpose of sharing (i.e., birthday or holidays) must be from a licensed bakery or manufacturer. No homemade food is allowed. All foods must be in original, unopened packaging from the bakery or manufacturer.