At Milestones, we believe that good nutrition is the foundation for happy, healthy learning. That’s why every season, our chefs and educators work with Feed Australia, a leading menu planning platform, to design meals that are balanced, child-friendly, and full of flavour.
This Spring, our menu is bursting with fresh, wholesome choices - think pesto chicken lasagne, beef bulgogi rice bowls, and creamy salmon linguini - all thoughtfully prepared to support children’s growth and energy.
Why Nutrition in Early Childhood Matters
The early years are a time of incredible growth. Nutritious meals during this stage give children:
- Energy for exploration and play
- Vitamins and minerals for healthy bones and strong immunity
- Proteins and healthy fats that fuel brain development and concentration
- Positive eating habits that shape how they view food for life
Good nutrition doesn’t just keep little tummies full, it helps children feel confident, curious, and ready for every new milestone.
Highlights from Our Spring Menu
Pesto Chicken Lasagne
A twist on a family favourite, layered with lean chicken, vegetables, and fresh basil pesto. It’s rich in protein and fibre, perfect for busy mornings of play and discovery.
Beef Bulgogi Rice Bowls
With gentle Korean-inspired flavours, this dish introduces cultural diversity while delivering a balanced mix of protein, grains, and vegetables.
Creamy Salmon Linguini
Salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids, essential for brain development. Paired with pasta and apple slices, it’s a comforting favourite for many children.
Coconut Mango Bread & Banana Chia Bread
Our seasonal fruit breads are nourishing and naturally sweet, offering fibre, vitamins, and plenty of energy for active afternoons.
Hollies Veggie-Packed Pasta Bake
A beloved classic across our centres, this dish sneaks in colourful vegetables in a way children happily enjoy.
Mealtimes as Learning Moments
At Milestones, we see every mealtime as a chance to learn. Sitting around the table together helps children:
- Develop independence by serving themselves and trying new foods
- Build social and language skills, as conversations flow naturally
- Gain confidence, as they see friends enjoying a variety of foods
Our educators join children at the table too, role-modelling healthy choices and creating a warm, positive atmosphere. These moments are an important part of our holistic Lifelong Learning Curriculum, where even food becomes a learning opportunity.
Setting the Standard in Childcare Nutrition
We are proud to offer families menus that are:
- Seasonally updated and nationally reviewed for quality and consistency
- Aligned with the Australian Dietary Guidelines, ensuring balanced nutrition for growing bodies
- Culturally diverse, giving children the chance to explore new flavours safely and joyfully
- Planned with Feed Australia, a trusted tool used by health professionals and early education experts
Every meal is freshly prepared with children’s health and wellbeing in mind, as part of our broader safety commitment.
Tips for Continuing Healthy Habits at Home
We love partnering with families to support children’s wellbeing both at the centre and at home. Here are a few simple ideas:
- Serve fruit as a snack: Just like at Milestones, apple or orange slices between meals help children build healthy routines.
- Make meals social: Encourage your child to sit with you during meals, even if they’re eating something simple. Shared mealtimes build connection.
- Explore together: Try a new herb, spice, or vegetable once a week. Children are more open to tasting when it feels like a family adventure.
Take the Menu Home
Want to bring Milestones recipes to your own family table? We’ve created resources just for you:
- Download the Spring Menu to see what’s being served this season.
- Get our FREE Winter Cookbook filled with family-friendly recipes from last season’s menu that you can recreate at home.
- Find your nearest Milestones centre to learn more about our service and book a tour.
Final Word
Healthy meals, happy children, and meaningful learning moments - that’s the Milestones approach. By combining seasonal menus, expert planning, and the joy of shared mealtimes, we’re proud to be nurturing strong, confident, and curious learners across Australia.