Event: ECDA's Start With Play Fall Conference 2026

Exp 13 PM: Smart Menus and Confident Eaters: Menu Planning and Food Literacy in Early Childhood & Building Joyful Eaters: How Early Childhood Educators Shape Lifelong Habits

Morning Session: This session aims to equip ECE’s with practical strategies to both maximize resources as well as strengthen food literacy in their programs. Topics include cost-effective menu planning, simple, nutrition focused menu swaps to support steady energy through the day, integrating food education into everyday learning, the effect of using neutral food language and introducing children to a variety of foods and flavours at an early age. This session includes a live food demonstration and participants are encouraged to participate in discussions; ask questions and share ideas and will leave with strategies they can implement in their own centers.

Afternoon Session: Early Childhood Educators play a vital role in laying the foundation for a child's lifelong relationship with food. This interactive session equips educators with practical strategies to encourage positive mealtime environments, nourish growing bodies and tips for having fun with food. Together we will explore the following topics: 

• Essential early childhood nutrition 
• Tips for picky eating
• How to enhance food literacy at a young age 
• Hands on cooking session designed for little hands

Date: November 5, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM
Location: PM: Holiday Inn & Suites