Early childhood services

You’ve come to the right place to learn about creating a healthier eating environment for your long day care, family day care or kindergarten.

We have supported many Victorian services to successfully provide healthier menus and promote healthier food and drinks.

Not sure where to begin? Get started
Young girl eating from a bowl

Plan your menu

We can help you to understand the relevant menu planning guidelines and plan menus that support children’s nutritional requirements.

Popular resources
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Menu planning for babies View resource

Learn more about allergies and intolerances

We can help you to plan healthier menus to ensure children with known allergies are cared for appropriately. Access our library of allergy and intolerance information endorsed by the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Popular resources
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Nut Allergy View resource
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Cow's milk allergy View resource

Browse healthy recipes

Looking for meal-time inspiration? We have a library of recipes that support the Victorian Government’s Menu planning guidelines for early childhood services with the number of serves per food group and relevant allergy information.

Popular recipes
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Cap cay ayam View recipe

Promote healthy eating within your service

Everyone in your service plays an important role in supporting children to develop healthier eating habits. Access resources for your long day care, family day care or kindergarten service.

Assess your menu with FoodChecker

FoodChecker will assess your long day care menu and give instant feedback based on the Menu planning guidelines for long day care.

Popular resources
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FoodChecker View website

Find food and drink inspiration

We have lots of delicious and nutritious food and drink ideas to incorporate into your menu! Access resources on eating from the five food groups, creating crowd pleasing snacks and lunchtime meals.

Take part in training and access other programs

Learn how to provide and promote healthier foods and drinks in your service. Our modules will teach you about planning healthy menus, promoting healthy eating and how to make changes to improve the food and drinks provided. On completion you will be eligible to download a certificate.

Better understand the government standards and guidelines

The advice provided by the Healthy Eating Advisory Service is in line with the relevant government standards and guidelines for early childhood education and care services. Access our library of guidelines all conveniently located in one place.

Popular resources
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Government Guidelines View resource

Develop a healthy eating policy for your service

Having a healthy eating policy provides staff, carers and families with clear and consistent information about your service’s goals and practices around nutrition and healthy eating for children. Access our resources for developing a healthy eating policy for your service.