At Milestones Early Learning, we know that what children eat plays a big role in how they grow, learn, and feel each day. That’s why most of our centres offer healthy, balanced meals made fresh daily by passionate in-centre cooks. For families, it’s peace of mind. For children, it’s the fuel they need to thrive.
From colourful veggie-packed lunches to fresh fruit snacks and baby-friendly purées, our seasonal rotating menu supports every stage of development - while encouraging a lifelong love of nutritious food.
Did you know that up to 90% of a child’s brain develops before the age of five? Good nutrition is essential for:
Cognitive development - supporting focus, memory, and problem-solving.
Cognitive development - supporting focus, memory, and problem-solving.
Wellbeing - strengthening immunity and reducing illness.
Healthy habits - laying the foundation for a positive relationship with food.
Our menus are developed using Feed Australia, a national nutritional health initiative designed specifically for early education settings. This ensures every meal meets the Australian Dietary Guidelines - and every child is supported to thrive.
Our current seasonal menu features a variety of wholesome, child-friendly meals that are:
Nutritious and balanced - packed with essential vitamins and minerals
Tailored to little tastebuds - gentle flavours and familiar ingredients
Diverse and exciting - offering new flavours, textures, and food experiences
Inclusive and safe - catering to allergies, cultural preferences, and dietary needs
You’ll find morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and a late snack included at most centres - plus soft, fresh purée options for babies.
Note: Some centres ask families to bring a lunch box instead. To confirm what’s offered at your centre, please speak with your Centre Manager.
At the heart of many of our centres is a dedicated in-centre cook. These talented team members prepare meals with care each day, using seasonal ingredients and following strict food safety standards.
You’ll often see:
Food ID cards and placemats - to identify allergies or preferences
Smiling faces - as children chat with their cook and learn about their food
Learning in action - with mealtimes supporting independence and connection
In centres without a cook onsite, meals are provided by trusted catering partners who meet our high-quality nutrition standards.
Most of our centres have an in-centre cook who prepares meals fresh daily. Some centres may require families to pack lunchboxes or receive meals from approved providers. Your Centre Manager can let you know what’s offered at your location.
We take this seriously. All centres follow strict safety protocols and provide alternatives to suit each child’s needs - including allergy-safe, vegetarian, and cultural options.
In some centres, yes. Please speak with your Centre Manager to learn more about your centre’s mealtime arrangements.
Our educators use encouragement and positive role-modelling to help children feel confident trying new foods at their own pace.
Yes. Our menu changes with the seasons and features a variety of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins to give children a balanced diet.
Want a closer look at what’s on the plate this season?
Looking for kid-approved meal ideas to try at home? Explore our collection of nutritious, simple recipes the whole family can enjoy. Each one is inspired by the same values we follow in our centres - fresh ingredients, balanced nutrition, and fun at mealtimes.
