Real Kids, Real Food

The Standards We Follow

To ensure that every child receives the highest quality nutrition, we proudly adhere to the strict dietary guidelines set by the USDA’s Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). These standards guarantee that our meals are balanced, nourishing, and designed specifically for early childhood development. Here is how we build our daily menus:

• Fresh Fruits & Vegetables: Every lunch and supper includes dedicated servings of fresh vegetables and fruits. We prioritize a colorful variety of produce, and juice is strictly limited to ensure kids are eating whole, nutrient-dense foods.

• Whole Grains Every Day: At least once a day, our meals feature 100% whole grain or whole-grain-rich items, such as whole wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, or whole grain tortillas.

• Lean Proteins & Plant-Based Alternatives: We serve high-quality, growth-supporting proteins, including lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu.

• Strictly Limited Sugar: We carefully monitor sugar intake. Our breakfast cereals contain no more than 6 grams of sugar per dry ounce, and our yogurts are strictly capped. We also do not serve grain-based desserts like cookies, brownies, or cakes.

• Healthy Preparation: We prepare our food with care. No deep-fat frying is ever done on-site; instead, meals are baked, roasted, sautéed, or steamed.

• Age-Appropriate Dairy: One-year-olds receive whole milk to support crucial brain growth, while children ages two and older receive unflavored low-fat or fat-free milk. Flavored milk is never served to children under six.

A Peek at Our Menu

We believe healthy food should also be delicious and kid-approved! Our menus feature culturally diverse recipes backed by USDA Team Nutrition and the National CACFP Association. Here are just a few examples of what your child might enjoy:

Breakfasts to Start the Day Right:

• Lemon-Blueberry Corn Muffins with Fresh Fruit

• Breakfast Black Beans with Eggs

• “Go Bananas!” Oatmeal

Nutritious Lunches & Main Dishes:

• Colorful Bean Burrito Bowls

• Vegetable Frittatas

• Chicken Fajitas with Whole Wheat Tortillas

• Chinese-Style Vegetables with Tofu

• Comforting favorites like Ground Turkey Spanish Rice and homemade Macaroni and Cheese

Healthy, Energizing Snacks:

• Fruit and Nut Butter Pita Pockets

• Roasted Zesty Chickpeas

• Corny Salsa with Baked Tortilla Chips

Educating Beyond the Plate

Nutrition at Providence Connections goes beyond simply serving a meal. By exposing children to fresh, vibrant foods early on, we help them build a positive relationship with eating and develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Childcare Programs and Enrollment

We invite you to explore our programs, view our classrooms, and discover what makes us the standard for childcare in Pittsburgh. Click the link below to learn more: