Family-Style Meals at LCC

Eating local

LCC’s food program offers a multitude of benefits that extend far beyond mealtime. Our Kitchen Manager takes great care in preparing thoughtful, seasonally inspired menus, with family-favorite recipes and new flavors, too. We source local ingredients when possible, working directly with farmers and regional co-ops for our milk, cheese and produce. We understand that this practice promotes healthier eating habits, exposing young ones to a variety of fresh, seasonal produce while supporting our community's economy. It serves as an educational tool, teaching children about sustainability, agriculture, and the importance of environmental stewardship. Additionally, offering locally sourced meals fosters a sense of connection within the community, creating partnerships between the preschool, local farmers, and families, ultimately cultivating a more holistic approach to early childhood education centered around health, sustainability, and community engagement.

Eating Together

One of the sweetest aspects of our day at LCC is eating family-style meals around the table. Eating together presents numerous developmental advantages for young children. This communal dining approach fosters social skills, encouraging children to communicate, share, and interact with peers and teachers in a relaxed, supportive setting. It cultivates independence as children serve themselves, promoting decision-making and fine motor skills. Moreover, this practice encourages healthy eating habits and adventurous palates as children explore diverse foods while engaging in conversations about nutrition and food preferences. Ultimately, eating family style nurtures a sense of community, creating a warm, inclusive environment where children build relationships and strengthen connections around the table.

Cooking Curriculum

At LCC, kids are invited to participate in food preparation (supervised) and experimentation! Cooking together offers a rich tapestry of benefits that extend beyond the kitchen. It's a hands-on, multisensory experience that sparks curiosity and creativity in young minds. As children measure ingredients, mix, and observe the transformation of raw materials into a finished dish, they experience math, science, and language concepts. Cooking cultivates fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they chop, stir, and pour. Beyond these cognitive and physical benefits, cooking instills a sense of accomplishment and confidence as kids actively participate in creating something delicious. It's a wonderful opportunity for them to explore new foods, develop healthy eating habits, and build a positive relationship with food while fostering teamwork and cooperation.

Michigan Dept of Education supported

LCC is proud to participate in the CACFP and 10 Cents a Meal programs offered by the MI Department of Education.