The concerning nutrition problem in almost all Victorian childcare centres

The soaring cost of healthy food and a lack of worker education has led to a nutrition shortfall in almost all Victorian childcare centres.

A Deakin University study looked at 18 Victorian childcare centre menus and found only one met nutrition guidelines.

The research found 39 per cent of centres did not offer enough fruit, 72 per cent did not provide enough dairy, 94 per cent didn’t offer enough meat and 83 per cent didn’t have enough whole grains on the menu.

Instead, children were given too many cakes and pikelets.

Lead author of the study, Audrey Elford, said budget constraints play a role, but there’s likely “a bigger issue” influencing what food children are fed while in care.

“Almost 60 per cent of the people that are planning and cooking these meals actually have no nutrition training,” she told Ross and Russel.

Ms Elford said concern children won’t eat healthy foods also plays a role.

“At this age, children really do need to be exposed to many different foods in order to develop those taste preferences,” she said.

Press PLAY below to hear what’s behind a lack of healthy food in childcare