Nutrition and Childcare Services

A report in the Sunday Herald Sun covered the introduction of a Commonwealth Government initiative to improve the nutrition of food provided to children at childcare services. 

The report does not appear to be aware that there is a requirement to provide nutritious food under the National Regulations. Regulation 79 provides:

(1)  The approved provider of an education and care service that provides food or a beverage to children being educated and cared for by the service must ensure that—

(a)  the food or beverage provided is nutritious and adequate in quantity; and

(b)  the food or beverage provided is chosen having regard to the dietary requirements of individual children taking into account—

(i)  each child’s growth and development needs; and

(ii)  any specific cultural, religious or health requirements.

Penalty: $2000.

(2)  A nominated supervisor of an education and care service that provides food or a beverage to children being educated and cared for by the service must ensure that—

(a)  the food or beverage provided is nutritious and adequate in quantity; and

(b)  the food or beverage provided is chosen having regard to the dietary requirements of individual children taking into account—

(i)  each child’s growth and development needs; and

(ii)  any specific cultural, religious or health requirements.

Penalty: $2000.

(3)  A family day care educator who provides food or a beverage to children being educated and cared for by the educator as part of a family day care service must ensure that—

(a)  the food or beverage provided is nutritious and adequate in quantity; and

(b)  the food or beverage provided is chosen having regard to the dietary requirements of individual children taking into account—

(i)  each child’s growth and development needs; and

(ii)  any specific cultural, religious or health requirements.

Penalty: $2000.

(4)  To avoid doubt, this regulation does not apply to food or a beverage provided by a parent or family member for consumption by the child.