At Seawinds, we place high importance on quality nutrition in all our programs. Our long day care children enjoy breakfast, morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea freshly prepared on site by our qualified childcare cook. Menus are seasonal, and follow the 7 local Kulin seasons, Biderap/Dry season (Jan-Feb), Iuk/Eel season (March), Waring/Wombat season (April-July), Guling/Orchid season (August), Poorneet/tadpole season (Sept-Oct), Buat Gurru/Grass flowering season (November), Garrawang/Kangaroo apple season (December).

Our menus and recipes are developed in close contact with families and the most important stakeholders – the children of Seawinds!  We have regular opportunities for families to participate in planning our menus and children contribute their ideas at the same time. We are also lucky enough to be supported by resources from Peninsula Health, including Registered Nutritionist Anneliese Twigg and her students, who collaborate with our cook and educators to provide professional learning and offer individual consultation to ensure our menu meets and exceeds the Healthy Eating in Childcare advisory board requirements.

Food is about not only physical, but mental health as well. At Seawinds, we follow the most up-to-date evidence-based approach to building a positive relationship with food and body image. Staff have access to professional learning materials and workshops and are supported to implement practices at mealtimes that create a positive, social experience for children.  Children are exposed to a variety of food in a supportive, low-pressure environment adapted to individual needs and preferences.