At Milestones Early Learning, we know that good nutrition fuels great learning. That’s why we provide fresh, balanced meals that support growing minds and bodies, ensuring your child gets the best start in life.
Our seasonal rotating menu is designed to be nutritious, delicious, and tailored to children’s needs—helping them develop healthy eating habits that last a lifetime.
What’s on the Menu?
Our Milestones Early Learning menu features a variety of wholesome, child-friendly meals that are:
- Nutritiously balanced – Packed with essential vitamins and minerals
- Designed for little taste buds – Encouraging positive mealtime experiences
- Diverse and exciting – Introducing new flavours, textures, and ingredients
- Catered to dietary needs – We accommodate allergies, intolerances, and preferences
See an example of what's being served in our centres this season here.
(Note: Meals are prepared fresh onsite at the majority of our centres. If you have specific questions about your centre’s meal preparation, please speak with your Centre Manager.)
Why Nutrition Matters in Early Childhood
Did you know that 90% of a child’s brain develops by age five? The right nutrition supports:
- Cognitive growth – Helping children concentrate, problem-solve, and retain information
- Physical development – Building strong bones, muscles, and energy levels
- A healthy immune system – Supporting overall wellbeing and reducing sick days
- Social and emotional learning – Teaching children to enjoy mealtimes and make healthy choices
At Milestones, we follow the Australian Dietary Guidelines and encourage a positive relationship with food that will last a lifetime.
Meet Our Chefs
At many of our Milestones Early Learning centres, passionate in-centre cooks prepare meals fresh daily, using seasonal ingredients to create nutritious, delicious meals that children love.
Our menu is thoughtfully crafted to:
- Encourage children to try new foods
- Support healthy development and learning
- Offer a balance of proteins, grains, and fresh fruit & vegetables
(If your centre does not prepare meals onsite, rest assured that all meals meet our high-quality nutrition standards.)
Food Learning for Little Ones
At Milestones Early Learning, we make mealtimes a fun and engaging experience. As part of our Lifelong Learning Curriculum, children participate in:
- Food exploration – Learning about ingredients through sensory play
- Gardening programs – Growing their own herbs and veggies
- Cooking activities – Developing fine motor skills while preparing simple meals
- Positive mealtime experiences – Encouraging independence, confidence, and social skills
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
At most of our centres, meals are freshly prepared onsite by our dedicated cooks using seasonal ingredients. Some centres receive high-quality, nutritious meals from trusted providers. If you’d like to know about your centre’s meal preparation, please speak with your Centre Manager.
We take food safety seriously. Every child with allergies or specific dietary needs is provided with:
- Food ID cards and placemats to ensure safe meal preparation
- A meal plan that meets their individual requirements
- Strict food handling processes to prevent cross-contamination
We make mealtimes positive, fun, and stress-free! Our educators encourage children to explore new foods through:
- Role modeling – Eating alongside children to encourage them
- Food play and learning – Engaging children in gardening and cooking activities
- Multiple exposures – Offering foods in different ways over time to build familiarity
Unless your centre is a "lunch box centre" and families have been advised to provide meals from home, all meals are provided by Milestones Early Learning to maintain high food safety standards and manage allergens. If your child has specific dietary needs, we will work with you to accommodate them. If you’re unsure whether your centre follows a lunch box policy, please check with your Centre Manager.
Yes! Our meals are seasonal, locally sourced, and prepared following the Australian Dietary Guidelines to support your child’s health and development.
Our menu includes:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables daily
- Whole grains for sustained energy
- Lean proteins to support growth
- Dairy and calcium-rich foods for strong bones
We also introduce children to a variety of cuisines and textures to expand their palate and make mealtimes exciting!
We integrate food education into daily learning by:
- Talking about where food comes from
- Engaging children in growing and preparing food
- Encouraging self-serving to build independence and confidence
Healthy Eating at Home
Looking for meal inspiration? Check out our Milestones recipe collection for easy, nutritious meals that you can make at home.