If you’re anything like me, you care a lot about what your child eats during the day. You want to know they’re getting the good stuff - the veggies, the iron-rich meals, the whole grains - not just something thrown together in a rush. And when you’re packing lunches at home, cooking dinner, juggling work, and keeping tiny humans alive… knowing that childcare has the food side sorted is a massive relief.
That’s exactly why I get excited every time Milestones launches a new seasonal menu.
And our Summer Menu might be our best one yet.
Made Fresh Each Season, Because Children Deserve the Best
At Milestones, our menus change with the seasons so children enjoy food that’s fresh, colourful and nourishing, the kind of food that helps them stay energised for climbing, painting, learning, and all those very important toddler conversations about dinosaurs and trucks.
Each day includes:
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A balanced breakfast
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Morning tea
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A nutritious lunch
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Afternoon tea
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Plenty of water
And because children spend a big part of their week in care, it matters that around half of their daily nutritional needs are met while they’re with us. That means iron for healthy development, protein for growing muscles, whole grains for energy, and plenty of fruits and veggies for vitamins, fibre and immune support. It’s one less thing parents need to worry about, and honestly, that peace of mind is priceless.
Created With Experts (and Actually Loved by Kids)
This summer, our menu was refreshed in collaboration with The Biting Truth, a team of Accredited Practising Dietitians who specialise in early childhood nutrition. They’ve spent more than 10 years working with early learning services, so they understand what creates happy, healthy, confident eaters.
Together, they’ve designed meals that:
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Support healthy growth and brain development
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Include iron-rich and protein-rich ingredients
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Offer balanced vegetarian and plant-based options
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Feature lots of fruit and veggies for colour and fibre
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Use child-friendly flavours and textures
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Keep afternoon teas fun and nourishing
They know what works for cooks, educators and, most importantly, children.
What Summer Looks Like on a Plate
Every week, children are offered a mix of familiar favourites and gentle introductions to new flavours. That might mean a fragrant noodle bowl one day, a colourful veggie-packed pasta the next, or a crunchy fruit-and-cheese plate that feels like a little afternoon celebration.
From the sample menu alone, you can see how much thought goes into balancing flavour, texture and nutrition, whether it’s a mild, protein-rich noodle bowl or a creamy pasta filled with veggies and whole grains.
See week 1 of the Summer Menu here.
It’s not about getting children to “clear their plate.” It’s about helping them:
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Feel curious about new foods
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Build confidence at mealtimes
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Experience a wide variety of nutrients
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Enjoy food in a relaxed, supportive environment
And when my child tries something at the centre and then asks for it at home? That’s a parenting victory I’ll proudly accept.
Healthy Eating Becomes a Habit Here
One of the things I love most is how food becomes part of the learning. Children practise independence, make choices, talk about what they see and taste, and build those healthy habits that follow them long after they leave the centre.
It’s learning, connection, confidence and nourishment, all wrapped into their day.
Want to See What Your Centre Is Serving?
Every Milestones centre follows our approved seasonal menu, with small variations based on community needs and dietary requirements.
If you’re already enrolled, your Centre Manager or cook can walk you through what’s on offer each week.
If you’re looking for childcare, this is a great opportunity to book a tour and see how we approach food, learning and daily routines.