By Lindsey, Director of Child Nutrition, Wellness, and Family Resources · Published September 2026
At CKA, we believe nutrition is about much more than putting a healthy meal on a plate. It is an opportunity to help children grow, learn, explore, and develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime.
Fresh Meals, Made In-House
Every day, CKA provides breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack as part of tuition. Our meals are prepared fresh in our own center kitchens by our in-house chefs, and our menus are thoughtfully planned with children’s needs and preferences in mind.
How We Help Kids Build a Positive Relationship with Food
We also believe that how children experience food matters. New foods are introduced alongside familiar favorites, children are never pressured to eat, and family-style meals give children opportunities to serve themselves, practice manners, have conversations, and listen to their bodies.
Beyond the Kitchen: Gardens & Cooking
Nutrition also extends beyond the kitchen. Every CKA center has a garden where children can plant, care for, and harvest foods. Children also participate in simple cooking experiences, giving them a chance to mix, measure, stir, and enjoy foods they helped create.
Our goal is simple: help children build a positive relationship with food while making mealtime a meaningful part of their day.
Curious what this looks like day to day? Visit our Nutrition and Wellness page to see a sample menu, or find your nearest center to schedule a tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is nutrition included in CKA tuition?
Yes — breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack are included in tuition every day, prepared fresh in each center’s own kitchen by CKA’s in-house chefs.
Do CKA centers involve children in growing or preparing food?
Yes. Every CKA center has its own garden where children plant, care for, and harvest food, and children also take part in simple cooking experiences like mixing, measuring, and stirring.
How does CKA introduce new foods to picky eaters?
New foods are introduced alongside familiar favorites, children are never pressured to eat, and family-style meals let them serve themselves, practice manners, and listen to their bodies.