Organic Nutrition

Why we chose Organic Catering

As more and more parents enrolling in our school requested healthier foods, we began the process of improving our breakfast, lunch and snack options. Although we knew this change would be more costly, we also knew the benefits it would bring. We began searching for new catering options. We wanted to get away from school lunch programs that offered mostly processed, often times unrecognizable lunches and instead, offer nutritious foods with more whole grains, fruits and veggies, and proper portion size.

We had five specific goals:

  1. Healthier and more nutritious food
  2. Greater variety of food
  3. Less fillers and additives
  4. Child-friendly food
  5. Vegetarian options

Learn more about our catering company, Organic Life.

Food Allergy Plan 

According to FAAN, The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (www.foodallergy.org), approximately 3 million children in the U.S. under the age of 18 has a food allergy. Studies have indicated that 16-18% of school-age children who have food allergies have had a reaction in school. In an estimated 25% of the cases, the reaction occurs before the student has been diagnosed with food allergies.

Gertrude B. Nielsen Child Care has developed policies to handle medical emergencies, and take preventative measures to avoid a child's exposure to a known food allergen. Physicians, families, and school staff work together to formulate reasonable and practical plans that will keep students with food allergies safe. Allergy Action Plans are set up for all children with known allergies and emergency medications are safely stored on site.

Focus on Fitness

By incorporating daily movement activities into the early childhood curriculum, you help lay the foundation for children to experience an active childhood, which will help them create an active adulthood. In fact, research has shown just how important the early years are to promoting physical fitness and wellness. According to Gabbard (1998), the "window of opportunity" for acquiring basic motor movements is from prenatal to five years of age; for fine motor skills the window is from after birth to around nine years of age. During this period, the brain gathers and stores information and a solid foundation for movement activities is built. At age ten the behavioral development window closes. Here at GBN we incorporate fitness activities in all of our programs and are committed to providing the basis for a healthy and active lifestyle.