Meal Service: Children shall be served all meals and

Meal Service: Children shall be served all meals and snacks scheduled for the period during which they are present. Meals and snacks shall be scheduled and served by the Center when . appropriate: breakfast or a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, supper if the Center operates evening care and an evening snack prior to bed time if a Center operates night time care. In those Centers where the Parent(s) of children enrolled provide the meals and snacks, the Center shall ensure that no child remains at the Center without receiving the scheduled nutritious meals and snacks. 1. There shall be a period of at least two (2) hours and no more than four (4) hours between each required meal or snack. 2. Food and beverages shall be served in individual plates or bowls and with individual glasses or cups. 3. Children shall be encouraged but not forced to eat. 4. Caregivers shall not use food to punish or reward children. 5. Children shall be given necessary assistance in feeding and encouraged to develop good nutritional habits. 6. Hot food shall not be served at a temperature which would cause the children to burn their mouths upon consuming the food. 7. Drinking water shall be offered to all children regularly throughout the day, including during meals and snacks, as well as before, during, and after physical activity. 8. Meals shall be served at tables where each child may be seated. 9. Children shall not share food. 10. Each individual child’s lunch brought from home shall be clearly labeled with the child’s name and date. 11. All food brought from home shall be stored at an appropriate temperature until eaten.