Food Program

Fresh, nutritious meals

All meals are prepared fresh daily and follow Federal Child and Adult Food Program guidelines. Each seasonal menu features meals designed to expose Tiny Tigers™ to a rich world of flavors and textures. Alternative proteins and vegetarian meals are featured weekly. To promote a strong sense of community, food is served family-style and our Tiny Tigers™ will practice serving themselves. Teachers join their classes for mealtimes to promote healthy eating habits.

The CDL is a peanut and tree nut free facility.

The mealtime experience

MEALS

All meals are served family style with all food items on the table and available to Tiny Tigers™. Teachers will model how to serve each component of the meal. They will then pass the items to the children near them. They will supervise and help as needed as children serve themselves. Tiny Tigers™ are encouraged to take each component of the meals provided but will never be forced to eat. Milk will be offered for both breakfast and lunch, but children may also choose to drink from their water bottles.

A chef prepares a pasta meal in a prep kitchen for the Child Development Lab.

Debbie Flint

Our Chef

Chef Debbie prepares fresh, nutritious meals using ingredients grown right in our on-campus gardens. This unique farm-to-table experience allows Tiny Tigers™ to enjoy wholesome foods while dining family-style with their teachers and peers.

Menu favorites include chia and cinnamon roll oatmeal, creamy chicken pesto, warm winter chowder, egg bites, and baked cranberry oatmeal.

By offering a wide variety of healthy, nourishing meals, Tiny Tigers™ are encouraged to try new foods, explore different flavors, and develop lifelong habits that support healthy eating.

A chef smiles in a prep kitchen for the Child Development Lab.