Nutrition at Miniversity Early Learning Centre
Nourishing Little Minds, Growing Healthy Bodies, and Building Lifelong Habits
At Miniversity, we know that nutrition plays a crucial role in every child’s growth, development, and well-being. Healthy food fuels not only their bodies but also their curiosity, concentration, and happiness. That’s why providing wholesome, nutritious, and delicious meals is at the heart of what we do every day.
We are committed to supporting each child’s unique dietary needs while encouraging positive attitudes towards food that last a lifetime. We want every child to thrive — and that begins with what’s on their plate.
Meet Chef Rachel — Our In-House Culinary Artist
We are proud to have Rachel as our dedicated in-house chef. Rachel brings passion, creativity, and expertise to our kitchen, carefully crafting fresh, nutritious meals tailored to the needs of growing children. All meals are prepared daily and have been aligned with Nutrition Australia’s guidelines for healthy eating.
Her philosophy is simple:
“Real food, made with love, that nourishes the body and delights the senses.”
Rachel works hand-in-hand with our educators and families to design menus that reflect the diversity of our community, respect allergies and dietary requirements, and introduce children to a wide variety of tastes, textures, and cultures.
With Rachel in our team, we have full control over meal quality, freshness, and nutritional content — ensuring that every bite supports your child’s health and happiness.
Master Chef Wednesdays — Hands-On Cooking Fun!
Every Wednesday, Miss Rachel visits the rooms for Master Chef sessions, where children get to be little chefs themselves! These interactive cooking experiences are child-led and designed to inspire curiosity, creativity, and practical life skills.
From simple snacks to fun recipes, the children learn about ingredients, healthy choices, kitchen safety, and the joy of preparing their own food — all while developing fine motor skills, language, and confidence.
Master Chef Wednesdays are a highlight of our week and help children build a positive relationship with food that extends beyond mealtimes.
What We Provide Every Day
We offer a full range of nutritionally balanced meals and snacks for all children attending Miniversity. We provide everything except infant formula and bottles, which families supply according to their child’s needs.
Our daily meal offerings include:
- Morning Tea — A nutritious boost to start the day
- Lunch — A well-rounded, fresh meal to fuel afternoon play
- Afternoon Tea — A tasty, healthy snack to keep energy up
- Late Snack (available for children staying later in the day)
All meals are prepared fresh daily in our own kitchen using seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients whenever possible. This means we avoid processed foods, unnecessary additives, and we no longer use external providers such as Kids Gourmet Food (KGF).
Our approach ensures that children enjoy wholesome, homemade food packed with nutrition and flavour, fostering positive eating habits from the earliest years.
Our Commitment to Quality and Care
At Miniversity, nutrition is more than just food — it’s an integral part of our care philosophy and community spirit. Here’s what makes our nutrition program stand out:
- Fresh, In-House Cooking by Chef Rachel — no frozen or pre-packaged meals
- Culturally Inclusive and Diverse Menus — celebrating the rich backgrounds of our families
- Allergy-Friendly and Dietary Needs Catered For — your child’s health and safety come first
- Seasonal, Rotating Menus — designed to provide variety, excitement, and balanced nutrition
- Sustainability Focus — reducing waste and using eco-friendly practices in the kitchen
- Community Engagement — menus and meal plans are regularly reviewed with family and educator input
- Education Through Food — mealtimes and Master Chef Wednesdays provide opportunities for learning about nutrition, culture, and healthy habits
Our Menus: Balanced, Thoughtful, and Transparent
Our menus run on a 6-week seasonal rotation, designed to provide variety and ensure all children receive the essential nutrients they need across the day. We carefully incorporate ingredients from the Australian Dietary Guidelines and the Five Food Groups, making sure that each meal is balanced and wholesome.
Menus are:
- Published weekly on our OWNA app for easy access and transparency
- Developed in collaboration with families, educators, and nutrition experts
- Updated regularly to reflect seasonal availability and community preferences
This approach gives families peace of mind knowing exactly what their children are eating and supports open communication between parents and our team.
Learning and Growing Through Food
At Miniversity, food is an extension of our learning environments. We embed nutrition and food education throughout our curriculum and daily routines to help children develop healthy attitudes and skills around food. Some of the ways we do this include:
- Garden-to-Table Experiences: Our beautiful centre garden provides fresh herbs, vegetables, and fruits that children help grow, harvest, and even prepare — fostering a connection with nature and an understanding of where food comes from.
- Cooking and Food Exploration: Age-appropriate cooking activities and taste tests encourage curiosity, fine motor skills, and confidence in trying new foods, especially during Master Chef Wednesdays.
- Cultural Celebrations: We honour the diverse cultural backgrounds in our community by introducing traditional foods, stories, and cooking methods, strengthening cultural identity and respect.
- Guest Visits and Excursions: From visits by local farmers to nutrition experts, children gain firsthand experiences that deepen their knowledge and enthusiasm for healthy eating.
Family Partnerships — Your Input Matters
We believe that great nutrition is a team effort between the centre and families. We encourage open communication and welcome your feedback and suggestions regarding our menus, special dietary needs, and any preferences your child may have.
If your child has allergies, intolerances, or special dietary requirements, please let us know so Rachel and our team can work together with you to create safe, enjoyable meal options.
Want to Learn More?
If you’d like to know more about our nutrition program, menus, or how we support healthy eating habits at Miniversity, please contact us anytime or have a chat with Chef Rachel during drop-off or pick-up.
We’re here to support your child’s wellbeing every step of the way.