Eating well: How to include food in nursery celebrations

Food is an integral part of many celebrations and can be a wonderful way to teach children about diverse cultures and introduce unfamiliar tastes. The challenge is celebrating these events while maintaining a healthy approach to long-term eating habits.

Many of the traditional foods served at times of celebration do not meet national nutrition guidelines for early years settings and should not be included on the menu. With the festive season approaching, you may wish to reflect on the approach to celebrations in your setting and avoid instilling the message that they are centred on chocolates, sweets or crisps.

How can your setting create a more balanced approach to special occasions?

• Plan a simple cooking activity where children can make traditional recipes suggested by families. Look for nutritionally balanced options.
• Organise a treasure hunt that challenges children to look for items that can be exchanged for non-food treats such as a small toy or book.
• Research other ways that festivals are celebrated in different cultures. Play games, do craft activities or sing.
• Make decorations or cards to display or for children to take home, remembering that the process is more important than the end product.
• If you are having a party where food is served, make sure there is a healthy balance. Give parents a list of suggestions and make clear what is not allowed if they are bringing food from home.

In this way you can develop an approach that:

1. Provides a clear and consistent message to families – Look to develop a healthy eating policy that includes celebrations.
2. Creates excitement about healthy alternatives – At times of celebration, presenting healthy foods and snacks in a new and interesting way can encourage children to try different things, as they are often feeling more receptive.
3. Works in partnership with parents – Asking parents not to bring food from home can avoid issues around cultural beliefs, food hygiene, allergies and cost. It eliminates any competitive element and, in the case of birthdays, means one child's special day will not be celebrated too differently from another's.
4. Meets the statutory requirements – Make use of the guidance referred to in the EYFS to meet the requirement to provide meals, drinks and snacks that are ‘healthy, balanced and nutritious’.