Helping Tots and Toddlers in 45 Childcare Centres in Quebec Begin Their Day on a Healthy Note  

Did you know that nutritionally balanced breakfasts, with a side of TLC, are being served every morning in 45 childcare centres in Quebec, thanks to the support of the Club and the Ministère de la Famille? 

Designed specifically to meet the needs of younger children, this program aims to help them get an energy-filled start to their day. Breakfast is an ideal opportunity to promote healthy development and well-being, in addition to fostering the ability to learn, explore and socialize.  

A safety net for families  

Some of the families who use these services are experiencing food insecurity. Others have a hectic morning schedule that isn’t particularly conducive to a sit-down meal. Regardless of the circumstances, these programs are about more than putting food on the table. They’re about providing a tangible and predictable form of support for all families.  

Vanessa has a child enrolled at the Centre de la petite enfance (CPE) Jardin Bleu in Quebec City. The service means a lot to her family:  

“The breakfast program at Jardin Bleu is a way of ensuring nutritional balance. It can be very difficult for families to provide a varied and balanced diet. With this support, we know that our child will be starting the day with more energy and the nutrients that are essential to learning, playing and interacting with other children. As parents, we are grateful to know they’re getting a square meal in the morning.” 

Isabelle is also a parent at CPE Jardin Bleu. She has seen a direct impact on her child’s behaviour: 

“These childcare breakfast programs are a game-changer. They make sure that children get the nutrition they need, and that has a huge effect on their mood and their behaviour throughout the day. When my son eats a wholesome breakfast in the morning, I can see it: he’s calmer and more focused, and he doesn’t have as many energy swings. Even when we get home in the evening, he isn’t restless, and I can tell he’s had a good day.” 

Educators agree: Daily breakfast makes a daily difference  

The benefits of the program in terms of group dynamics and overall atmosphere are not lost on childcare centre staff. 

According to Marie-Pier, the director of CPE Jardin Bleu: 

“Breakfast is now a seamless part of our daily routine. It’s a huge plus for the children in our centre. Some are from vulnerable communities, but we also have others with special needs and challenges. Breakfast time can be a great moment of togetherness and a source of motivation. It’s also been a chance to set up children for success by having them help the nutrition coordinator and special education technician with meal preparation.” 

Marie-Pier is keenly aware of the importance of having a balanced selection of foods available to young children: 

“We make it a point to vary what we serve. Our menu covers a five-week period and includes a whole grain food, a fruit or vegetable, and a source of protein every single day. Some of the children’s favourites include yogurt with granola and strawberries, raspberries and blueberries, and breakfast sandwiches with a whole wheat English muffin, egg and cheese, and fruit.” 

She adds that communal meals are a great way of expanding young palates: 

“Children are more open to trying new things if their peers are doing it too. When they see other children tasting and liking foods they are unfamiliar with, they tend to follow their lead. The positive, pressure-free atmosphere plays a big part in this process. We talk about food, and that helps spark their curiosity and make them want to explore new flavours and textures. It’s an environment where they’re more inclined to experiment and where good lifestyle habits can be instilled.” 

Learning and nurturing  

For educators, breakfast is a special time where they can observe children, reinforce routines and encourage healthy eating. And it’s an opportunity to educate and strengthen interpersonal connections. Children grow and learn with every bite.  

In the 45 childcare centres in Quebec where a BCC-supported breakfast program is in place, each one is adapted to the needs of the children being served. The breakfast teams are very creative in finding ways to make each meal nutritious, delicious and varied from one day to the next — but always with the goal of filling tummies and warming hearts.