Plant based menus in early learning settings: key benefits and practical tips 

Plant based diets are gaining popularity in broader society, and more and more families are seeking early childhood education and care (ECEC) options which cater to this dietary preference. 

This piece aims to provide greater insights for services into what plant based diets are, some of the benefits of a plant based diet for children, and tips on implementing a plant based diet menu in ECEC. 

Plant based diets explained

In the broadest sense, plant based diets are those which cover a spectrum from being fully vegan (no animal based products whatsoever, including honey) to more flexible options such as vegetarian, or ‘plant forward’ diets, where plant foods make up most of the diet whilst incorporating some animal products. 

Typical foods in a plant based diet include vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes, nuts and seeds, emphasising the consumption of whole foods over processed foods. 

Benefits of plant based diets

A growing awareness of the health, environmental and ethical benefits of a plant based diet may be behind the rise in their popularity in society more generally. 

For children specifically, plant based diets that prioritise whole foods over processed foods provide children with a nutrient-rich diet packed full of protein, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fibre, vitamins and minerals.

These nutritional components provide the essential building blocks to support children’s growth and development. 

Additionally, with such a wide variety of foods being presented, children are gaining access to a greater diversity of beneficial microbes and bacteria, which are essential for good gut health and digestion. In particular, fibre, which is only found in plant-based food sources, is key to maintaining digestive health.

In the long term, evidence suggests that following a well balanced, plant based diet can reduce the risk of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular conditions later in life. 

Sustainability and ethics 

With animal agriculture being a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water consumption, turning to a more plant based approach in early childhood settings can be seen as a way to be more sustainable and to encourage children to think more deeply about the impact of food choices on the broader environment. 

By offering more plant-based options, ECEC services can significantly lower their ecological footprint while promoting responsible food consumption and supporting sustainable practices.

Additionally, through engaging in activities like gardening, composting and learning about plant-based nutrition, children can develop a deeper understanding of how their food choices impact the world around them.

Nutritional guidance 

While plant based diets have a number of benefits it is essential for providers to ensure that these diets are balanced so that children’s nutritional needs are met, and that children are getting their recommended daily intake of essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients. 

Under the National Quality Standard (NQS) and National Regulations, ECEC services are required to provide adequate nutrition to children that promotes healthy eating. When it comes to plant-based meals, providers must align with these standards to ensure they meet children’s health and dietary needs.

Vitamins and nutrients such as protein, iron, calcium, zinc, omega-3s and vitamin B12 are all essential for children’s growth and development.

Numerous guides and resources on nutrition and meal planning for ECEC are available, many of which can be adapted to a more plant based diet approach. 

Many plant-based foods are excellent sources of protein, including lentils, chickpeas, tofu, quinoa, nuts, seeds and wholegrains. Many believe that a balanced plant-based diet can provide all the essential amino acids necessary for healthy growth and development.

There are several provisions under the National Regulations that also apply to services offering food and beverages, including:

• Regulation 79 (Food and Beverages): All meals provided must be nutritious and appropriate to meet children’s dietary requirements. Plant-based meals should be planned carefully to ensure they provide sufficient energy and essential nutrients.
• Regulation 80 (Weekly Menu Display): ECEC services are required to display a weekly menu, allowing transparency for parents to review plant-based meal options and ensure dietary diversity.
• Regulation 90 (Medical Conditions Policy): Services must cater to individual dietary needs, including plant-based diets due to allergies (EG. dairy, nuts or egg allergies) or personal beliefs.

Further information about plant based diets in ECEC settings can be found here.