Meals, Food, and Nutrition – A Congregate Care Facility must assign one (1) staff

Meals, Food, and Nutrition – A Congregate Care Facility must assign one (1) staff member to the overall management of the food service. If this person is not a professionally qualified dietitian, monthly scheduled consultations on menus must be obtained from a professionally qualified dietitian. Facilities participating in the USDA Child Nutrition Program administered by the Department of Education meet this requirement. 1. Menu Requirements. The staff member in charge of food service must plan menus at least a week in advance. These menus must be kept on file for one (1) year and made available for review upon request. At least three (3) meals must be served each day, each with a different menu. 2. Meal and Snacks Requirements. The Partner Provider must provide wholesome, nutritious, and properly prepared daily meals and snacks: a. Daily Meals should include: i. Meats or meat substitutes, ii. Vegetables; iii. Milk; iv. Fruit; v. Cereal; vi. Bread; and vii. Dessert. b. Nutritious between meals and evening snacks must be available, except when restricted for dietary or health reasons. c. The Partner Provider must serve staff members and children in care the same food, except when age, special dietary requirements, or cultural consideration dictate differences. Food must be served in a family style setting and at least one (1) staff member on duty in living units must eat meals with the children. 3. Food Requirements. Handling, storage, and preparation of food must comply with state health standards as dictated by the Mississippi Department of Health and: a. When special dietary needs are identified, professional consultation must be requested, and modifications made as needed. b. Special dietary needs must be provided as recommended by a physician. c. Food must be of appropriate portions for the age, growth, and development of the child.