As plant-based diets continue to gain popularity among the wider community, we’re seeing this trend slowly start to trickle down into menus at childcare centres across the country. Plant-based diets offer a range of benefits for children, from offering a nutrient-rich diet to supporting sustainability practices.
This article explores the rising popularity of plant-based diets in early childhood settings, the key benefits for children and practical ways to introduce plant-based meals in childcare centres.
What is a plant-based diet?
A plant-based diet is a broad term encompassing a range of eating patterns, from fully vegan diets (meaning no animal products) to more flexible approaches like vegetarianism or plant-forward eating, where plant foods make up most of the diet while still including some animal products.
Ultimately, a plant-based diet focuses on foods primarily derived from plants, including vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds. It emphasises the consumption of whole foods over processed foods. Following a plant-based diet doesn’t mean that you don’t consume meat or other animal products. It just means that they make up a smaller portion of your diet.
Reasons behind the rise of plant-based diets in childcare
There are a number of reasons why plant-based diets are gaining popularity in childcare settings, driven by a growing awareness of their health, environmental and ethical benefits. Let’s dive into some of the main reasons.
Health benefits of plant-based diets for children
Plant-based diets prioritise whole foods over processed foods, providing children with a nutrient-rich diet packed full of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals. These nutritional components provide the essential building blocks to support children’s growth and development.
With a variety of different foods also comes a greater diversity of beneficial microbes and bacteria, which are essential for good gut health and digestion. In particular, fibre, which is only found in plant-based food sources, is key to maintaining digestive health.
There’s also evidence to suggest that following a well-balanced plant-based diet can help reduce the risk of children developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions later in life.
Plant-based eating is becoming mainstream
Plant-based options are quickly becoming a common feature on supermarket shelves, restaurant menus and in school tuckshops. As the broader population embraces plant-based diets and normalises this approach to eating, schools and childcare centres are adapting to new dietary preferences.
Ethical and environmental reasons for plant-based diets in childcare
In general, people are becoming increasingly conscious of the impact of their food choices and the ethical implications that are linked with specific food sources. Incorporating more plant-based meals into early childhood nutrition can foster sustainability, reduce environmental impact and encourage compassionate food choices from an early age.
Animal agriculture is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water consumption. By offering more plant-based options, childcare centres can significantly lower their ecological footprint while promoting responsible food consumption and supporting sustainable practices.
Children are naturally curious and empathetic, making early childhood an ideal time to introduce lessons about food origins and sustainability. A plant-based approach in childcare encourages respect for nature, promotes animal welfare and teaches food ethics in an age-appropriate way. Through engaging in activities like gardening, composting and learning about plant-based nutrition, children can develop a deeper understanding of how their food choices impact the world around them.
Nutritional considerations for plant-based meals in childcare
While a plant-based diet can offer a range of health benefits for your child, it’s important to make sure your childcare centre is taking a balanced approach so your child is getting their recommended daily intake of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Protein, iron, calcium, zinc, omega-3s and vitamin B12 are all essential for supporting your little one’s growth and development.
According to the Australian Dietary Guidelines, children should enjoy a wide variety of food from the following five food groups:
- Vegetables of different types and colours, and legumes/beans,
- Fruit,
- Grain (cereal) foods, mostly wholegrain and/or high cereal fibre varieties such as bread, cereals, rice, pasta, noodles, polenta, couscous, oats, quinoa and barley,
- Lean meats and poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, nuts and seeds, and legumes/beans, and
- Milk, yoghurt, cheese and/or their alternatives, mostly reduced fat.
While the government provides plenty of guides and resources on nutrition and meal planning for childcare centres, it can often be worth checking to see whether they’re making a conscious effort to ensure they’re offering a nutritionally balanced plant-based diet at their service.
Regulatory and policy considerations for plant-based meals in childcare
Under the National Quality Standard (NQS) and National Regulations, childcare centres are required to provide adequate nutrition to children that promotes healthy eating. When it comes to plant-based meals, childcare providers must align with these standards to ensure they meet children’s health and dietary needs.
According to the NQS, childcare centres are required to provide nutritious, adequate and appropriate food for children's dietary needs. Plant-based meals must be well-balanced and provide essential nutrients like protein, iron, calcium and vitamin B12. Further, providers must respect and accommodate family preferences, including plant-based dietary choices based on health, ethical, cultural or religious beliefs.
There are several provisions under the National Regulations that also apply to services offering food and beverages, including:
- Regulation 79 (Food and Beverages): All meals provided must be nutritious and appropriate to meet children’s dietary requirements. Plant-based meals should be planned carefully to ensure they provide sufficient energy and essential nutrients.
- Regulation 80 (Weekly Menu Display): Childcare centres are required to display a weekly menu, allowing transparency for parents to review plant-based meal options and ensure dietary diversity.
- Regulation 90 (Medical Conditions Policy): Childcare services must cater to individual dietary needs, including plant-based diets due to allergies (EG. dairy, nuts or egg allergies) or personal beliefs.
By following the NQS and National Regulations and working with qualified nutritionists or dieticians, childcare centres can confidently incorporate plant-based meals while ensuring they meet all legal and nutritional requirements.
Common myths and misconceptions about plant-based diets for kids
As plant-based diets become more popular in childcare settings, it can be easy to get caught up in common myths and misconceptions. Some parents and educators may worry about whether plant-based meals can truly meet children’s nutritional needs. Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths.
Myth: Plant-based diets don’t provide enough protein for growing kids
Many plant-based foods are excellent sources of protein, including lentils, chickpeas, tofu, quinoa, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. As such, a balanced plant-based diet provides all the essential amino acids necessary for healthy growth and development.
Myth: Plant-based meals aren’t filling enough for active kids
Whole plant foods are rich in fibre, which helps children feel full while supporting healthy digestion. Meals with a balance of protein, healthy fats and complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy for growing, active children.
Myth: Kids won’t enjoy plant-based meals
Many children naturally enjoy plant-based foods like fruits, pasta, nut butters and veggie-packed dishes. Making plant-forward meals fun encourages kids to embrace a variety of flavours and textures. Try incorporating veggie tacos, smoothies or homemade hummus with colourful veggie sticks or wholegrain crackers to encourage children to try new foods.
As plant-based eating continues to gain momentum, you’ll be more likely to see plant-based meals offered at your childcare centre. With careful planning, plant-based meals can provide all the essential nutrients children need for growth and development while also aligning with the NQS and National Regulations. To learn more about what your childcare centre is doing to incorporate plant-based foods at their service, reach out to them directly.
