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The mere thoughts of formulating daycare menus can send the most sane, intelligent day care operator into a tailspin as they contemplate food pyramids and daily nutritional requirements and all thoughts of common sense go out the window. There is no need for panic when the steps involved are as simple as ensuring that the food is nutritious, prepared hygienically and easy to cook in large quantities.

Healthy, easy to prepare, well rounded meals are the key. There are so many one pot dishes that are ideal for daycare menus - and your own family. Keep it simple and stop thinking that you need to transform yourself into Jamie Oliver. Think casseroles and stews, chunky soups, steamed vegetables, fish, pasta and lots of fresh fruits. Cheese, crackers, rice cakes, raisins, carrot sticks, sandwiches and yogurts make great snacks.

My day care is in Ireland and I don't provide food (check if this is an option in your area) so we reheat the meals that the kids bring in. Another option to consider is ordering pre-prepared, frozen meals and heating on the premises. Delivery to your day care is part of the service for many companies who prepare these frozen meals. This will add to your costs but you could have parents pay for this service.

Food preparation necessitates having critical health and safety and hygiene procedures in place. These procedures serve to protect your business and the children in your care. In the unlikely event of a case of food poisoning you need to be able to prove that it was not your fault. You need to have a record of all the procedures in your food preparation process that ensure food safety and your food safety policy will detail this.

Check for menus posted on the internet as my day cares will have details on their websites. Talk to local providers about their menus. Booklets and information should be available from your child care licensing inspector. Remember thought that this shouldn't be rocket science and simple, home cooked food is the key when compiling your daycare menus.