POLICY & PROCEDURES: NUTRITION POLICY STATEMENT
The philosophy for feeding children at A.R.E./Helena Patti Camp is a very important part of our
program. Our snack selection is based on the guidelines provided in the Edgar Cayce readings.
Please let us know if your child has any specific dietary needs such as a vegetarian or vegan.
Snack time and mealtime provide the opportunity for learning experiences which form correct
habits of eating in a pleasant atmosphere, such as:
- Mealtime should be a relaxing and social time.
- Children should be told the truth as to what foods are (i.e., liver, spinach, etc.)
- Children are encouraged to eat but not forced. Children are served each item on the
menu so that if they “decide to taste it,” they can.
- Food is presented to children in a very positive and very matter-of-fact manner. Making
food and plate arrangements attractive will encourage children to eat well.
- Children are presented food objectively, because they need it, not that it is to be eaten
as a favor to any adult.
- Children are given sensible size first servings, with opportunity and encouragement to
take “seconds.”
- Spilling, dropping, and breaking of dishes are accepted as accidents. Children are told
how to avoid accidents but not blamed or made to feel guilty for accidents.
- Children are neither bribed nor rewarded for eating.
- New foods are served in small amounts until they have become familiar foods.
- When children have finished eating, they will leave the table, wash their hands, and go
to the play room or outside as directed.
- Adults are served the same snacks and meals (provided only on field trips) that the
children are served.
- Staff must sit with children during meal time.
REMEMBER THAT CHILDREN USE YOU, THE ADULT, AS A MODEL.
DO NOT LET YOUR FOOD DISLIKES BE CONTAGIOUS!
ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO TRY A VARIETY OF FOODS BOTH AT CAMP AND AT HOME!
Edgar Cayce's A.R.E. Patti Day Camp