At Willows Early Learning Centre, we believe food is more than fuel it’s about connection, learning, and joy. That’s why every meal is lovingly prepared on-site by our talented Centre Chef, Heidi, who truly is the soul of Willows. With a passion for creating nutritious and delicious meals, Heidi ensures our tamariki are nourished with kai that supports their health, development, and wellbeing.
We follow a rolling four-week seasonal menu that changes twice a year to reflect summer and winter produce. Heidi prepares a cooked lunch each day alongside morning tea, afternoon tea, and a late snack for tamariki staying after 5pm.
Our whole foods menu includes a wide variety of seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, chicken, eggs, and full-fat dairy. All ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible, with no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, or refined sugar. We believe it’s important to consistently expose tamariki to a range of colours, textures, and flavours, helping them to appreciate and enjoy a wide variety of foods. We also create specific menus to cater for tamariki with dietary requirements and food allergies, as well as menus for under-ones that follow Ministry of Education health choking guidelines.
Respectful mealtimes are part of our daily rhythm: tamariki wash their hands before and after eating, sit together with their kaiako at the table, and learn to tidy up their space before returning to play. Water is always provided at meals and available throughout the day. We don’t hold back when it comes to ensuring our meals are fresh, wholesome, and loved by little taste buds. Thanks to Heidi’s dedication, every mealtime at Willows is a chance for nourishment, community, and care.
