Commitment to Safe Food, Nutrition and Beverage Statement

TG's Safe Food, Nutrition, and Beverage Policy

​

At TG's Child Care, we are dedicated to ensuring the health, well-being, and sustainability of every child by providing nutritious, safe food and beverages that support optimal growth and development. Our Safe Food, Nutrition, and Beverage Policy is designed not only to meet the regulatory requirements set by the National Quality Standards (NQS), National Regulations and TG's Way but also to promote healthy eating habits and support lifelong well-being for children. We actively collaborate with families to reinforce the importance of healthy eating both at the centre and at home, understanding that these early habits have a lasting impact on children’s health into adulthood.

​

In addition to promoting healthy eating, TG's Way aims to nurture eco-intelligent children who understand the significance of sustainability and are learning to play it forward. Our approach to food, nutrition, and sustainability reflects our commitment to not only nourishing the children in our care but also teaching them the importance of environmental responsibility. From gardening projects to waste reduction, children at TG’s are given opportunities to connect with nature and learn sustainable practices, incorporating them into their daily routines.

​

Our Philosophy on Safe Food, Nutrition, and Sustainability

​

We believe that food is not just fuel; it is integral to children’s learning, growth, and overall well-being. Our approach to food and nutrition prioritises the provision of healthy, safe, and culturally appropriate meals and snacks that meet the Australian Dietary Guidelines. By fostering an environment that supports positive food practices, we aim to empower children with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices as they grow.

​

In line with our commitment to sustainability, TG's encourages children to explore nature and sustainability through hands-on activities, such as gardening and learning about eco-friendly food practices. Sustainability at TG’s isn’t just about what’s on the plate—it’s about creating a culture where children understand how their food choices affect the environment. We incorporate the principles of healthy eating into our curriculum, using the Munch & Move program and Get Up & Grow resources to guide our practices and ensure we are meeting the nutritional needs of all children in care.

​

Through initiatives like garden projects, children are taught how food is grown and how sustainable food practices can make a difference to the environment. These activities also foster creativity, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with nature. As seen in our gardening and sustainability projects, children at TG's develop an early awareness of sustainability, learning to care for their environment as they grow.

​

Aims of Our Safe Food, Nutrition, and Beverage Policy

 

• Promote Healthy Eating Habits: We aim to introduce children to a variety of healthy foods, encouraging them to develop lifelong healthy eating habits.

• Ensure Nutritional Balance: Our meals and snacks are designed to provide children with the necessary nutrients, ensuring they meet at least 50% of their recommended daily dietary intake.

• Support Cultural and Dietary Preferences: We work with families to accommodate dietary preferences, religious practices, and cultural values, ensuring every child’s nutritional needs are respected and met.

• Comply with Food Safety Standards: All food handling, preparation, and serving practices comply with the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (FSANZ) and relevant local regulations to ensure the safety of the food we provide.

• Foster Eco-Intelligent Behaviours: Through gardening, waste reduction, and sustainability-focused activities, children at TG’s learn the importance of protecting the environment and making sustainable choices.

​

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

​

TG's Management Team:

​

• Oversee Food Safety and Nutrition: The Centre Manager is responsible for ensuring that food safety practices are followed, menus are designed in line with Australian Dietary Guidelines, and regular audits are conducted.

• Promote Breastfeeding and Safe Infant Feeding: TG’s will provide designated spaces for breastfeeding mothers and ensure that appropriate formula or breast milk is handled safely, following strict procedures for storage, thawing, and warming.

• Ensure Compliance with Legislation: The management team ensures all food practices comply with the Food Safety Standards Code and Food Act 2003, and that all food handlers are certified and regularly trained in food safety.

• Menu Development and Review: The team will ensure that the weekly menu is displayed and accurately reflects the nutritional content, with input from families, educators, and health professionals.

​

Educators and Food Handlers:

​

• Support Healthy Eating Choices: Educators play an active role in promoting healthy eating during mealtimes, providing positive encouragement and guidance on food choices, while also modelling healthy eating habits.

• Ensure Safe Food Handling: Educators and food handlers must adhere to safe food handling practices, including proper handwashing, temperature control, and cleaning protocols.

• Supervise Children During Meals: Educators will supervise children during mealtimes to ensure that they are eating safely and developing positive eating habits. They will also support children with allergies or intolerances by ensuring food safety practices are followed.

• Engage with Families: Educators will maintain open communication with families about their child’s dietary needs, preferences, and any concerns related to food allergies or intolerances.

​

Safe Food Practices

​

• Meal Planning: The weekly menu will reflect a balance of food groups, with a focus on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy. Menus will be reviewed regularly to ensure they meet the nutritional requirements of children in our care.

• Food Safety Procedures: All food preparation, handling, and storage will comply with FSANZ guidelines. This includes maintaining correct temperatures for hot and cold foods, ensuring proper storage of perishable items, and preventing cross-contamination.

• Food Safety Training: The Food Safety Supervisor will oversee all food handlers, ensuring they are trained in food safety procedures, and that records are kept for food deliveries, storage, and handling. This includes adhering to the Food Safety Standard 3.2.2A, which mandates specific training and record-keeping requirements.

• Breastfeeding and Bottle-Feeding: TG's supports breastfeeding by providing a comfortable space for mothers and ensuring proper handling of breast milk. Educators will follow strict procedures for bottle preparation and infant feeding, including the safe storage and warming of milk.

​

Menu Development and Evaluation

​

• Weekly Menu: The menu will be displayed in a prominent area for parents to view, and it will include details of the meals and snacks provided each day. The menu is planned to provide balanced nutrition and is reviewed regularly.

• Input from Families: We encourage families to participate in the menu development process, providing feedback through menu evaluation surveys. This ensures that the food provided meets the needs and preferences of children and families.

• Cultural and Dietary Considerations: The menu will respect cultural and dietary restrictions, and special dietary requirements will be accommodated in consultation with families.

​

Continuous Improvement and Review

​

TG’s Safe Food, Nutrition, and Beverage Policy is reviewed annually to ensure that it aligns with current legislation, the National Quality Standards (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and TG's Way. Regular feedback from families, educators, and health professionals is incorporated into the policy review to ensure we continue to provide high-quality, nutritious food that meets the needs of the children in our care. Our ongoing commitment to sustainability, eco-intelligence, and healthy food practices ensures that TG’s remains a leader in promoting both children’s health and environmental responsibility.

​

If you have any questions about this policy on Safe Food, Nutrition, and Beverage at TG’s, please reach out to the Centre Manager.

Contact TG's Child Care

​

Review Date: November 2025
Created: November 2024

​

All TG’s Child Care Policies are reviewed annually to ensure it aligns with current legislation, as well as the National Quality Standards (NQS), the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) and TG's Way. This ongoing review process allows us to meet the evolving needs of our families while maintaining our commitment to continuous improvement. By actively seeking feedback from families, educators, and management, we ensure that our policies not only comply with regulations but also support the high standards that have earned TG's Centres their proud meeting or exceeding NQS ratings.