we are vegan. my twins are four and i am wanting to enroll them in a preschool next fall as they desperately need socialization. i am not thrilled with the program as it is only MWF or TTH from 12:30pm until 3:00 and will cost 180.00 per month for the two of them.
here is the snack list and policy they sent me:

"on your childs special day please send enough nutritious snacks for approximately 20 children. as part of the snack please send at least two quarts of white milk, juice or cider. please do not send Hi-C type drinks as these are heavily sugared--pure juices only. also, please send enough Dixie style cups (5oz), paper plates and napkins to serve 20 children. it is never too early to start instilling good eating habits in children, and we support parents who feel this way by only serving nutritious snacks in our program. if you choose to send a special treat for your childs birthday please make sure it is a non-edible treat such as an eraser, pencil or sticker. SNACKS THAT ARE UNACCEPATBLE WILL NOT BE SERVED AND WILL BE SENT HOME.

LISTED BELOW ARE SOME SUGGESTIONS TO ASSIST YOU IN CHOOSING THE APPROPRIATE SNACK FOR YOUR CHILDS SPECIAL DAYS. PLEASE TRY TO CHOOSE ITEMS FROM THE LIST GIVEN.

Acceptable snack items:
popcorn, pretzels, jello, string cheese, goldfish crackers, graham crackers,sliced fruit, fruit salad, mini muffins, mini bagels, chex mix, bagel bites, yogurt, cubed cheese, crackers and cheese, sliced sausage and cheese, sliced raw vegetables and dip, corn on the cob, pizza (cheese), fruit snacks, granola bars without chocolate, marshmallows caramel or peanut butter in them, mini sandwiches, animal crackers, cocktail hotdogs.

Acceptable drink items:
milk, fruit juice, lemonade, apple cider.

Unacceptable snack items:
cookies, ice cream, candy, potato chips, fritos, doritos, chocolate, cupcakes, cake, rice crispy treats."


now, i had already emailed the director questioning the need for a snack in such a short period of time. i mean, the kids will have just come from lunch and tho i wont, i suspect most parents will give ANOTHER snack when the kids get home before dinner. given the rates of obesity in children and a culture prone to overeating anyway, i hardly think it is a good idea to give more food during this time. i also feel that i am being cheated out of instruction time for them. i dont need them distracted with food they dont need--this is not what i want to pay for.
independent of all that--you all see the list. even before becoming vegan i would have never supported such waste with regard to the dixie cups etc., i would have never supported a snack in such a short period of time, and i would have never found any of those foods healthy as i dont value feeding my children white flour products. and sure once in a while is fine, i suspect most kids are overloaded with it.
i find it to be such a joke that the letter specifically references that it is never too early to instill good eating habits when this policy and list of foods is doing just the opposite IMO. i also dont give juice. they dont need it, it fills their bellies with largely empty calories and leaves them not wanting other foods. soooo, i would not be wanting to but juice for snack day--water is fine and dandy.
i am not looking to offend anyone if they disagree. i realize my opinions on the juice and snack thing are not mainstream, buttt... if anyone has any suggestions i would appreciate it!!
thanks for any and all!! :)

and COME ON___since when are cocktail hotdogs and sausage "healthy" eating??????

I find it interesting that they thought people wouldn't know that Fritos and Doritos are indeed classes as "chips" :think:

I don't agree w/ paper plates either, but most daycares do not have dishwashers. That would be a lot of dishes and cups to clean every day by hand!

My bf's boys need a snack every 2-3 hours or else they are starving (7 and 5), so I don't see a problem w/ the snack times. In school, you have recess, lunch, and get out early enough to have another snack after school. I also believe that snacking, done properly, can prevent overeating and gorging of oneself during meals.

Hotdogs aren't the best choice on the list, no, but many of the items are. Also, remember that most of these kids have never been exposed to other kids of foods, so the organizers do need to make lists that most children will eat. If you sent black bean hummus and pita chips, most of the kids would break into tears (cough trust me, I learned the hard way).

My son is just finishing up his first year of preschool...he goes from 9am to 11:30 twice a week...alot of times it's difficult for me to get either of my kids to eat breakfast, they just aren't morning eaters I guess. They have snack somewhere around 10ish, and I don't mind it, BUT I was very specific as to what my son is allowed to have and what we just don't eat at our house. I had them put him on an "allergy list" for dairy, meat, and sugar. They asked me, "Is it life threatening?" I told them no, but I hoped very much that they could repect my wishes and that I would be more then happy to send him in with his own stuff.
On the days when it's our turn to bring snack we bring in fresh fruit, or cut up veggies.

I really do get where you're coming from. It pains me that schools don't have a better understanding of nutrition. The antiquated idea that as humans, we are dependent on the bovine race to sustain our own bone mass, just pains me!

But seriously, stand your ground with the school...tell them what you are and are not open to, offer to bring your own stuff...I'm sure you could even bring your own water bottles with your kids names on them...the idea that they might be hungry for a snack with all the activity and excitement around them is not unusual. It seems like they are so stimulated when they are in school, that they really do work up an appetite.

But, like I said...see if you can put your kids on an allergy list...and be firm with the school...you know what's best for your babies!

Good luck! I'm sure it will all work out!!

I find it interesting that they thought people wouldn't know that Fritos and Doritos are indeed classes as "chips" :think:

I don't agree w/ paper plates either, but most daycares do not have dishwashers. That would be a lot of dishes and cups to clean every day by hand!

My bf's boys need a snack every 2-3 hours or else they are starving (7 and 5), so I don't see a problem w/ the snack times. In school, you have recess, lunch, and get out early enough to have another snack after school. I also believe that snacking, done properly, can prevent overeating and gorging of oneself during meals.

Hotdogs aren't the best choice on the list, no, but many of the items are. Also, remember that most of these kids have never been exposed to other kids of foods, so the organizers do need to make lists that most children will eat. If you sent black bean hummus and pita chips, most of the kids would break into tears (cough trust me, I learned the hard way).


i am psychic--i knew you would reply, and knew you would reply FIRST!!! thanks krista!!

i can understand where you arte coming from saying that most of the foods are ok--however, not for begans, and not for someone that does not value white flour/processed foods. and i also understand aboyut the whole lotta dishes that would have to be washed. i struggle with getting the need for a snack here so, if we get rid of it, we get rid of need for dishes. i also dont think that it would be a big deal for aprents to send the child with a cup and plate. i may mention this to them.

i also hands down agree 100% with you about snacking. i am not one to snack--just not hungry enough. however, i do see value in it (if snacks are healthy--or even SOMETIMES not!!!) as people can tend to overeat at "mealtime" if famished. no problem there and everyone is different in their needs on this matter. i rarely give my kids a snack. in the a.m., breakfast usually finishes at 8:30, lunch usually begins at 11:30 after we get back from the health club. so, three hours--they are fine. dinner is usually at 5-5:30--yes a long stretch since lunch. sometimes, depending on consumption at lunch and activities in the afternoon, i will give a snack. and i will give one if someone is complaining of hunger. but largely for my kids, they do fine and eat better at dinner without one. but--that is just us. if i notice their hunger increasing as they get older of course i will adjust. i cannot imagine you grocery bills with two young boys that eat every two or three hours!!! :lol:

and i can see black bean hummus not flying!!!

My son is just finishing up his first year of preschool...he goes from 9am to 11:30 twice a week...alot of times it's difficult for me to get either of my kids to eat breakfast, they just aren't morning eaters I guess. They have snack somewhere around 10ish, and I don't mind it, BUT I was very specific as to what my son is allowed to have and what we just don't eat at our house. I had them put him on an "allergy list" for dairy, meat, and sugar. They asked me, "Is it life threatening?" I told them no, but I hoped very much that they could repect my wishes and that I would be more then happy to send him in with his own stuff.
On the days when it's our turn to bring snack we bring in fresh fruit, or cut up veggies.

I really do get where you're coming from. It pains me that schools don't have a better understanding of nutrition. The antiquated idea that as humans, we are dependent on the bovine race to sustain our own bone mass, just pains me!

But seriously, stand your ground with the school...tell them what you are and are not open to, offer to bring your own stuff...I'm sure you could even bring your own water bottles with your kids names on them...the idea that they might be hungry for a snack with all the activity and excitement around them is not unusual. It seems like they are so stimulated when they are in school, that they really do work up an appetite.

But, like I said...see if you can put your kids on an allergy list...and be firm with the school...you know what's best for your babies!

Good luck! I'm sure it will all work out!!

thanks for replying and i LOVE your avatar!! :up:

yeah--the grasp on nutrition is horrid. i could scream. i have struggled with presenting an allergy issue. i am proud to be vegan and want the kids to be as well. it would likely make it easier, but i dont want the kids to hear me lying as well. what if the teacher references their "allergy" to them? what do you do if/when that comes up? i plan to stand my ground, it just sucks the battles to get people to "get" it!!!

that you were asked if it is "life threatening" is such a joke---if you are allergic to something you are allergic to something and any reaction is negative and unwanted!!!!!!!!!!!! :wall:

smed - the grocery bill is *less* with snacking, if you can believe it! It's also our way of combating the very bad food their mother insists on feeding them.

smed - the grocery bill is *less* with snacking, if you can believe it! It's also our way of combating the very bad food their mother insists on feeding them.
haha

i was not thinking your bill was necessarily higher because of snacking--just having to feed such hungry boys CONSTANTLY!!

as an aside--does your boyfriend also not like the food his ex feeds them? and what all horrible food does she feed them?
you are not vegetarian, correct?

i could be wrong, but just curious. i do LOVE it to see non veg*ns doing and saying great things, which i get from your posts. you seem to have a very balanced life that works for you :rockon:

She forgets to feed the boys a lot. :( Then when she does, she's been known to feed them popcorn for breakfast and butter sandwiches on white bread for lunch. Or, sometimes she gives them one of those large plastic containers of gum or candy and that's what they eat all day.

I've fed them meat 2x in the past year (not counting using up someone's leftovers). I feed them soups, stews, rice, millet patties, veggies, fruit salads, bean soups, bean patties, etc. I make them fancy meals, kid meals, but fancy. Always 3 items on their plates, so they get a wide range of food.

She forgets to feed the boys a lot. :( Then when she does, she's been known to feed them popcorn for breakfast and butter sandwiches on white bread for lunch. Or, sometimes she gives them one of those large plastic containers of gum or candy and that's what they eat all day.

I've fed them meat 2x in the past year (not counting using up someone's leftovers). I feed them soups, stews, rice, millet patties, veggies, fruit salads, bean soups, bean patties, etc. I make them fancy meals, kid meals, but fancy. Always 3 items on their plates, so they get a wide range of food.
that is awesome that you are there for them!! "kid meals, but fancy"--i LOVE this. and i try to make my kids meals as fancy as four year olds can handle!! i do value it tho HUGE as i think that what kids are exposed to early on effects how they appreciate food later on. thumbs up to you krista!!!

Apple butterflies!!!!!

Celery stick filled w/ nut butter body, apple slice wings, candy antennia, and a drizzle of jam or maple syrup across it all for colour :D

I wonder if there are any other preschool options accessible to you? in this day & age there should be fine print with regards to special dietary concerns & allergic reactions. Sounds like this might not be a very "hip" place. I know of two kids schools (pre & grade, I think) here (WA state) that are actually all vegetarian, one might be vegan. If we were looking at preschool now though they'd both be too far. There are a myriad of reasons why some of those snacks would not be cool with all parents. They should literally do away with group food sharing in school type settings, every child should bring their own snack/food or all shared food should be safe across the board (no meat, no dairy, no eggs, no nuts, no wheat, etc..). I remember how angry I was a few years ago when there was a whale hunt (controversial enough) and the tribe brought in whale meat and handed it out to public elementary school kids.

I figure they can make an exception and let you excuse your kids from snack time or eat the snack you pack for just them. Of course my huge fear is then they will feel very left out and make a point to sneak one of those oh-so-tempting sausages or what not. Groan. I know it's neurotic, but kids have no will power and usually just want to try everything they see, unfortunately that includes a lot of unsavory "food". I dread dealing with this sort of thing in a few years, please update and let us know what you did.

If you sent black bean hummus and pita chips, most of the kids would break into tears (cough trust me, I learned the hard way).

:lol: :lol: :lol:

I know it's neurotic, but kids have no will power and usually just want to try everything they see, unfortunately that includes a lot of unsavory "food". I dread dealing with this sort of thing in a few years, please update and let us know what you did.

I would put it as curious. A child, especially 5 and under, is about learning. 100% learning. nothing else. They have no life experience at all to pull on. Half of their life they already have forgotten. They eat dirt, leaves, cat hair, dog food, every food/juice combo possible. It would only make sense for them to try things that others are eating.

I haven't made hummus since :(

Acceptable snack items:
popcorn, pretzels, jello, string cheese, goldfish crackers, graham crackers,sliced fruit, fruit salad, mini muffins, mini bagels, chex mix, bagel bites, yogurt, cubed cheese, crackers and cheese, sliced sausage and cheese, sliced raw vegetables and dip, corn on the cob, pizza (cheese), ....



I love the "string cheese, crackers and cheese, sliced sausage and cheese, pizza with cheese, cubed cheese..."

What is this? "Spam, spam eggs and spam?" LOL

I think you should go and talk to some of the other mothers and ask if it's flexible. On "your child's special day" (In other words "Mom, fork over the food". So at $180 per month, what are you paying for? The kids should at least get a snack out of that.) you could just bring something really small for the kids to eat in about 2 or 3 bites. Nothing that's gonna take anymore than 5 minutes to woof down. Cut up some apples, bring some nuts, baby carrots...something easy where each kid can have 3 small pieces of food. And I agree, water's fine.

Share your concern about the time spent on eating instead of working on projects with the people who run the preschool. Im sure they'd understand.

Share your concern about the time spent on eating instead of working on projects with the people who run the preschool. Im sure they'd understand.

In a good preschool, this eating is a vital part of the experience... and not because of the food. Projects aren't the number one focus of a usual preschool curriculum, socialization with peers is the number one focus. The time around a snack table with their peers and a teacher gives a wonderful time to observe and teach social skills.

Jim

mini-muffins, granola bars, cheese, sausage, mini-sandwhiches and many crackers can be just as devoid of nutrients and high in calories as chips, rice crispie treats, etc.

I think they should have more meaningful guidelines for parents. Like no more than x calories, no more than x grams of fat. Of course parents would find that too complicated. But seems like the school is just guessing at what good food is. Muffins seem more nutritious than rice crispie treats. But are they? Probably not.

I don't think my boys would eat sausages if offered them at preschool. They are 4 and 5 and although we've only been veggie for a couple of months, they have very definite ideas about what they will eat and not eat. We went to Chili's on the road during our trip here. They had a food pyramid picture and a bunch of numbered pictures of different food. You were supposed to fill in the number in the appropriate place on the pyramid. My 5yo went through and x-ed out all the foods that he wouldn't eat - steak, milk, cheese, eggs, etc. And put stars by all the good foods - fruit, veggies, breads. I was so proud I could have cried.

re: why snack is important...
*encourages self-help skills (pour your own drink, put away your plate etc.)
*provides a good forum for large-group interaction (sharing, waiting your turn, etc.)
*solidifies the concept of 1:1 correspondence (beginning math skill)
*provides a forum (when done well) to explore cultural diversity

etc. etc. etc.

With our munchkins at work, snack and lunch are one of the most talkative times of the day. During play, the kids are infrequently in one group together - at lunch we can share ideas with each other and receive feedback along with healthy boost of positive self-esteem.

Regarding the snacks themselves - this seems to be a pretty typical (albeit not ideal) pre-k snack list (except for the jello?). Perhaps you could propose an alternative where every parent chips in so much $ and then you could be the "snack lady"? Lots of work, but a good chance to role model.. :)

I think I've read somewhere that a lot of schools are banning nut butters because of high allergic reactions..

wow--i havent been on much and have missed a bunch of replies--thanks to all i appreciate it.
i have though of and do like the idea of asking people to pitch in money and being "snack lady", however i think people are too rigid in what they think/believe to find it a good idea. it saddens me.
i understand that a snack time can help with social skills, however, this is not a full day program--it is 2.5 hours. the kids will have come from lunch and will likely have a sanck when the get home. i dont believ people should eat when they are not hungry. would the kids eat if offered a snack? probably, just as most adults would--does not mean it is a good idea. i am just frustrated with it all. it may not be an issue as my kids are constantly fighting. i have no choice but to put them in the same classroom, if they are constantly fighting, i will be wasting my money as they will not get anything out of it. so, i really cannot even decide if it is worth it.

thanks again!!!

Darn it!!! It is moments like these that I feel...regretful that I don't have kids of my own. I'm "not allowed" to prove things for the kids' school (at home parties I can, which is where the hummus came about). I'm rather jealous of you, smedley.

edit: just as I typed this, the kids came bashing into the house screaming. Maybe not that jealous anymore....

Darn it!!! It is moments like these that I feel...regretful that I don't have kids of my own. I'm "not allowed" to prove things for the kids' school (at home parties I can, which is where the hummus came about). I'm rather jealous of you, smedley.

edit: just as I typed this, the kids came bashing into the house screaming. Maybe not that jealous anymore....
yeah--you are misguided in any type of jealousy there!! frick and frack were fighting so bad at the health club i got called into the nursery and had to take them home. :wall:

frick and frack???? :lol: :lol: :lol: That's great!