If a child has an allergy when enrolled or develops one at a later date, the center must be provided with a statement from the doctor indicating the type of allergy, symptoms, and foods to be avoided and anything else that the child should not be exposed to. In the case of food allergies, the director and families will decide whether or not the parent should bring supplemental food. For severe, life threatening allergies, an emergency action plan will be drafted and posted.

ICC provides a breakfast snack and afternoon snack and families provide a healthy sack lunch. We provide milk and juice to go along with these. A food intolerance form must be completed for us to serve your child soy or rice milk. We encourage the use of whole foods and fresh, seasonal produce. We limit foods that are over processed or high in refined sugars and encourage families to do the same.

ICC makes an effort to accommodate each child's food allergies and dietary choices and restrictions, including vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free options. The menu is posted on the bulletin boards outside the classrooms, and is a two week rotating schedule.

Modified diets are defined as a diet eliminating the use of one or more of the food groups or altering the amount of food served. We respect dietary needs whether dictated by medical necessities or by lifestyle choice. Please discuss your child's needs with the Directory upon enrollment.

Here are some guidelines we think you will find helpful as you plan sack lunches for your child:

   Should I label my child's lunch box?

Yes, please label your child's special lunch box or bag with his/her first name.

   What about refrigeration?

Please pack blue ice in your child's lunch box to keep items cold. We do have a small refrigerator for each classroom with limited space.

   Is there a way to heat foods?

Yes, we have a microwave and teachers will heat up anything needed to be heated.

   Do I need to send a drink?

Yes/No. ICC will provide milk. If you want to send juice boxes, or other drinks, make sure they are in your child's lunch box.

   What if I forget my child's lunch?

If we happen to notice at drop off time that you've forgotten your child's lunch, please let one of the classroom teachers know. At lunch time, teachers will put something together for your child. If we notice after your departure that your child doesn't have a lunch, we will call you to ask if you can bring a lunch or if you would like us to make lunch for your child.

Suggestions on what should be included in sack lunches:

Nutritional guidelines recommended by the State of Ohio will be provided to each parent or guardian for each child. Lunches should be made up of the four basic food groups. We recommend that parents pack only foods that meet these food groups into their children's lunches. The Center will supplement lunches in which the daily nutritional guidelines are not being met. If a staff member notices that a child's lunch has not been meeting the nutritional guidelines on several occasions, a fee may be accessed to the parents for food supplements. The snack menu is posted on the parent bulletin board.