Must caregivers offer a child in care the same food choices as other children in the home, unless medically contraindicated?

• A. Yes.
• B. No.
• C. Only if medically contraindicated.
• D. Only if the caregiver is providing meals outside the home.

Answer: (A)

Providing the same food options to a child in care as to other children in the home is about inclusion, fairness, and meeting the child’s basic needs. Unless there is a medically contraindicated condition, the caregiver should offer the same meals and options to the child in care. If a medical issue does require a different approach, appropriate substitutions should be made while still keeping the child included in family meals. Offering different foods or meals only when the child is outside the home would create unnecessary separation and potential nutritional or emotional harm.