The Art of Nourishment

Cultivating a love of food to nurture the body, mind and spirit

Food has the potential to nourish us in innumerable ways — by providing nutrients and energy to our bodies, by engaging us in the meaningful work of procuring a necessity, and by connecting us socially and emotionally with our families, friends, culture, community, and the earth itself — but rarely do we avail ourselves of this potential and, worse yet, food often becomes a vehicle for the opposite, contributing to disease, pollution and disengagement. Artificial flavors and colors, additives and preservatives, genetically modified ingredients, factory farming and fast food are taking a toll on us – individually and as a civilization. Obesity in the United States has reached epidemic proportions. Whole, local foods, grown organically and prepared with love can restore food to its rightful role.

Is Your Child Eating?

As a parent, it’s natural to wonder about your children’s experiences at school and whether they are getting what they need – in the classroom and in the lunchroom. Just as Montessori teachers strive to prepare the environment for optimal learning, so we at Art of Nourishment strive to optimize your children’s nutrition and satisfaction. With Art of Nourishment, you can rest assured that your children are:

• served a wide variety of whole, local, organic foods every day, including whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables, and protein from beans, nuts, & cheeses, all free from artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, hydrogenated oils, and high fructose corn syrup
• encouraged to try at least a bite of everything that is offered, and assisted when necessary
• provided with multiple servings of what they like most. While a perfectly balanced diet is ideal, children who "fill up" on their favorite Art of Nourishment offerings are never at risk of mal-nutrition in the absence of the “empty calories” found in refined carbohydrates and sugars
• welcome to take home left-overs. Just send an empty container in their lunch box, and we will send home what remains of their meal. This way you can see for yourself what is being served, and/or your children can finish their meal as an after school snack. Please note: many foods are served hot or cold and so may not be well-suited to storage and transport. Please take this into consideration.

Just as children may sometimes be more inclined to sit in front of a television set than to run around outdoors or read a book, so, too, may some children initially be easier to please with highly processed, high-sugar, high-sodium "fast food."

Here it is important to keep in mind, however, that, in the long run, even just a few spoonfuls of brown rice, a bite of cheese, a celery stick, a few blueberries and a sip of milk is infinitely more sustaining than an entire processed-meat sandwich on white bread, a bag of chips or "fruit snacks," and a "juice drink," or an order of French fries and chicken nuggets, for that matter.

Quality is far more important than quantity, and eating well is a skill that, once acquired, will serve your children for a life time.

Bon Appetit!