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Nourish: Our Childcare Food Programme
Nutritious food is the foundation for healthy growth and development in children. At Busy Bees, we’re happy to offer our very own early childhood education food programme, Nourish, which supports full, healthy tummies, focused minds, and fuelled bodies.
Our healthy meal programme is entirely approved and designed by dietitians specifically for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Our team of in-house cooks prepare fresh meals from our Nourish menu daily.
Beyond providing delicious, healthy meals to tamariki at our childcare centres, Nourish helps to instil good food habits, including table manners, self-portioning, and washing up. Tamariki love the routine of coming together at mealtime in a calm, social environment that leaves them feeling replenished and ready to thrive.
"We are delighted to work alongside Busy Bees, supporting the development of the Nourish programme. With a focus on wholesome kai that tastes appealing to tamariki, we can be confident that young children are receiving the nutrients they need for growth and development. What stands out is the care and intention behind the menus, while also aligning with food and nutrition guidelines and remaining practical for centres to implement. Busy Bees’ dedication to this kaupapa demonstrates a meaningful investment in the health and wellbeing of the tamariki in their care."
Sian Bolton, Education Programmes Lead, Heart Foundation. April 2026
Learn More About Nourish, Our ECE Food Programme
Dietitian Approved & Designed
Our in-house cooks provide freshly made meals for children each day using our Nourish menus and recipes. Through nourishing food, children are fuelled to thrive physically and mentally. They also experience the benefit of coming together and connecting as a group at mealtimes. Mealtimes are calm, fun, and social. Children are encouraged to develop manners and independent skills in serving food, regulate their own portions and clean up after meals.
A Nutrition Programme Based on the NZ Heart Foundation Tohu Manawa Ora | Healthy Heart Award
Nourish is made up of seasonal ingredients across summer and winter menus, ensuring a wide variety of meals for children at our centres.
Our healthy eating programme recipes have been thoughtfully designed using the New Zealand Heart Foundation Tohu Manawa Ora | Healthy Heart Award for Early Learning Centres in line with the New Zealand Food & Nutrition Guidelines and the Ministry of Health Healthy Eating for Babies, Toddlers and Children.
Fresh, Real & Wholesome
Using healthy alternatives, our menu incorporates crowd favourites and nutritious creations, such as:
- Beef and lentil spaghetti bolognese
- Butter chicken
- Macaroni cheese with cannellini beans and vegetables
- Vegetable pesto pinwheel scones
- Carrot and pineapple muffins
- Crackers and cheese with beetroot dip
Ask to see our Nourish menus and recipes, available in your local centre.
