How many meals and snacks must a toddler or school-age child receive daily?

• A. Three meals and at least one snack.
• B. Two meals and two snacks.
• C. Four meals with no snacks.
• D. One meal and no snacks.

Answer: (A)

Three meals a day with at least one snack supports steady energy and essential nutrient intake for toddlers and school-age children. Young kids have small stomachs but high energy and nutrient needs, so spacing meals and adding a healthy snack helps maintain blood sugar, sustain activity, and provide a varied mix of foods (protein, calcium, iron, fiber, vitamins) across the day. The requirement to have three meals daily plus at least one snack aligns with common guidance aimed at promoting growth and healthy eating habits.

Two meals and two snacks may meet energy needs for some individuals, but it doesn’t establish the regular three-meal structure that supports routine eating and nutrient distribution. Four meals with no snacks leaves larger gaps between meals and can miss between-meal nutrient needs. One meal and no snacks is clearly insufficient to meet daily energy and nutrient requirements for growing children.