–
–
“Research shows that children form food preferences mostly during their pre-school years, and the eating habits are more difficult to change later on in life. Pre-schoolers are ready and eager learners, and this allows child care providers the opportunity to cultivate healthy eating habits.

In view of this, the Health Promotion Board introduced the Healthy Meals in Child Care Centres Programme (HMCCP). Under this programme, participating child care centres are required to comply with food service guidelines which aim to cut down fat, sugar and salt and serve whole-grains, fruit and vegetables in the meals; and serve healthy set meals.

These healthy set meals incorporate food from the four main food groups – brown rice and wholemeal bread, meat and others, vegetables and fruit – thereby helping children receive the right nutrients necessary for their growing needs.

Culinary training and assessments are provided for child care centres. During the culinary training workshops, the cooks and supervisors of child care centres are advised on menu planning and are trained on healthier cooking methods. They are also taught how to prepare healthier ingredients such as brown rice and the appropriate portioning of food for the children.
Apart from providing healthier meals, participating child care centres are also encouraged to educate children on healthy eating.

Participating child care centres are evaluated annually by assessors commissioned by HPB.“

-Health Promotion Board, https://www.hpb.gov.sg/docs/default-source/default-document-library/hmccp-toolkit.pdf?sfvrsn=0