At the heart of the Cradlerock Children’s Center (CCC) lies a mission dedicated to “fostering the development of growing minds, loving hearts, and helping hands.” This mission goes beyond providing a safe environment; it embraces the responsibility for the ‘whole child,’ from their cognitive and social development to their physical well-being, from head to toe, organs to skin. This holistic approach faces the significant challenge of ensuring that students have access to nutritious and safe food.

In response to this challenge, Amanda Morton, a central figure at the CCC, recognized that children were facing concerning health trends, including an increase in allergies and obesity, which demanded their immediate attention. A child’s health should be nourished from the ground up, quite literally. In pursuit of this mission, the CCC initiated the Nourish & Move program, an initiative that provides healthy and balanced meals to children while educating them about nutrition and exercise. This innovative program took root with the creation of a vegetable garden located just outside of the center, serving as a powerful educational tool that allows the children to get their hands dirty and experience the process of growing food. They actively encourage their five-year-olds to participate in the garden, engaging in various activities such as planting, tending to the garden, and harvesting the vegetables, fostering a better understanding of where their food comes from.

Their commitment to children’s health extended to their search for a new food distributor that aligned with their goals. After extensive research and advertising, the CCC connected with a minority-owned culinary management company with nearly 40 years of experience. Meals provided by the new vendor are tailored to the seasonal availability of ingredients, ensuring peak flavor and freshness. They collaborate with local farms for produce, meat, and dairy products, emphasizing the importance of knowing exactly where their food comes from. To further support this education, children are shown videos of planting, harvesting, and other farm procedures, as well as learning about the various careers within the farming industry.

To actively involve parents in their mission and commitment, the CCC organizes an annual event known as the Nourish & Move mixer. This interactive gathering offers families an opportunity to connect with CCC’s partners and learn about sourcing fresh, farm-sourced ingredients for their own meals at home. During this event, parents have the chance to sample the same nutritious meals their children enjoy daily. The CCC goes a step further by providing families with recipes centered around fresh produce that not only promotes nutrition in their child's diet, it assists them in fostering valuable executive functioning skills like cutting, chopping, pouring, and following instructions.

In addition to nourishment, the Nourish & Move program emphasizes physical fitness, led by or specialized instructor Ms. Sherry. The program encourages purposeful movements in an engaging manner, with children participating in gross motor exercises, basic yoga, and cooperative games designed to be enjoyable for their age group.

Children who have a better understanding of nutrition and exercise will grow into stronger, healthier individuals. The introduction of fresh, locally-sourced school meals represents a transformative endeavor. The CCC strives to be at forefront of this cause, emphasizing the importance of government investment in the health of future generations. Cradlerock is dedicated to delivering child care services that genuinely prioritize the overall well-being of the child, including the food they are nourished with. Nourish & Move has the potential to make a significant impact on the community.

source: submitted by Etienne Frimpong