Nursery World - Locally sourced food delivers the feel good factor

A new approach to nursery catering has resulted in increased concentration levels and a greater sense of wellbeing among the children, according to Positive Steps Day Nursery in Shellingford.

It recently launched a campaign to improve the quality of food it offers to children and now uses local butchers, bakers and an organic farm to source all of its ingredients.

Nursery manager Steph Chapman said, ‘We are finding that the children’s concentration is better with the changed diet and our observations also highlight they are more content.’

Favourites on the menu include roast vegetable kebabs with a sticky glaze, savoury tomato pastry twists, lemon chicken/red pepper risotto with peas and tagliatelli with summer vegetables. Desserts include homemade shortbread with fruit, bread and butter pudding, lemon drizzle cake and fruit salad.

Parental interest in the kind of food suppliers being used by Positive Steps was the primary catalyst behind the decision to alter the menu. Ms Chapman said that parents were particularly enthusiastic about the use of local suppliers.

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