food program
Nourish to Flourish: A Montessori-Inspired Food Philosophy
We embrace a Nourish to Flourish philosophy to food programming—food is not just fuel, but a powerful vehicle for learning, connection, and growth. Rooted in Montessori principles and aligned with Alberta’s FLIGHT Framework, food education is intentionally woven into our daily programming.
Because our meals are thoughtfully prepared in-house, educators can directly connect what children are eating with what they’re learning. Children participate in age-appropriate food prep, plant herbs and vegetables, and explore ingredients through taste, smell, texture, and storytelling. These activities not only support independence and sensory development, but also build self-confidence and pride in contributing to their community.
Food also becomes a window into culture. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds of our children and families by introducing meals and ingredients from around the world. Through food, children learn to appreciate differences, spark conversations about their friends’ traditions, and expand their palates in a joyful, respectful way.
Building A Positive Relationship With Food
Our integrated approach to food education fosters a positive relationship with food by:
Reducing picky eating behaviors through repeated, non-coercive exposure to a variety of foods, which has been shown to increase children's willingness to try new foods over time.
Enhancing food literacy, enabling children to make informed and healthy food choices as they grow.
Promoting cultural appreciation, as children explore and respect diverse culinary traditions, fostering inclusivity and curiosity.
Encouraging self-regulation and autonomy, as children learn to listen to their hunger cues and make choices about what and how much to eat
Strengthening community connections, as shared meals and collaborative food preparation activities build social skills and a sense of belonging.
By embedding food into our curriculum, we nourish curiosity, build confidence, and foster connection on the plate and beyond.
What Makes Our Food Program Different?
Curriculum-Integrated Learning
Food isn’t an afterthought—it’s part of the learning. Children grow herbs, explore ingredients, prepare food, and learn about nutrition, culture, and community through hands-on experiences.
Culturally Responsive Menus
We reflect the rich cultural diversity of our families in the meals we serve—creating space for children to recognize, share, and celebrate their heritage and the traditions of others.
Healthy Habits For Life
Nutrition and exposure to different foods is a foundational pillar of our food program. We thoughtfully introduce new ingredients in a variety of ways—through cooking, sensory play, tasting, storytelling, and garden-based learning. This multi-sensory, repeated exposure helps children become more adventurous eaters and fosters a lasting, positive relationship with food.
No Shortcuts, Ever
We use whole, quality ingredients—no powdered mixes, no prepackaged shortcuts. Meals are prepared from scratch, with intention and care that reflects our Montessori values of beauty, purpose, and real-life learning.
Child Participation & Practical Life Skills
Children are involved in meaningful food-related tasks, building independence, confidence, and respect for the food they eat—from table-setting to snack slicing.
In-House Prep
Because food is made onsite, it stays fresh, warm, and deeply connected to our programming. Educators can tie mealtime directly into daily learning themes, sensorial exploration, and classroom conversations.
Community & Connection
Food is a tool for community-building. Mealtimes are unhurried, social, and joyful—designed to help children practice grace, courtesy, and meaningful conversation.
book your tour today!
We’d love to show you what makes Little Hummingbirds so special. Book a tour today and see how our nurturing, nature-inspired environment helps each child thrive in their own unique way.