Nutrition Policy at Bink

Nutrition Guidelines

Our nutrition policy is based on the “Schijf van Vijf” from the Dutch Nutrition Centre and the recommendations of Healthy Childcare. At Bink, this means:

• Fresh, healthy, and varied meals.
• Organic dairy products and eggs as standard.
• No meat products during bread meals and cooking activities.
• Fresh whole-grain bread with healthy toppings as the basis for lunch.
• Hot meals available at some locations.
• Water, lukewarm tea, organic milk, and buttermilk instead of sugary drinks.
• Fresh fruit and vegetables every day, preferably seasonal and locally sourced.

Eating Together

At Bink, mealtime is about more than just nutritious food—it’s a social event. We eat in small groups and give children their own tableware. They are encouraged to choose, spread, and cut their food themselves, which supports both their motor skills and independence. Eating together encourages children to try new things, share with others, and express their opinions. We also involve them in preparing and cleaning up after meals.

Learning About Food Through Play

At Bink, eating is an adventure! Children explore flavors and scents, learn where food comes from, and get hands-on experience making dishes like smoothies and whole-grain pancakes. At our after-school programs, children even learn to cook—from creating a shopping list to preparing a homemade meal.

Handling Picky Eaters and Allergies

Everyone is welcome at the table, even if eating doesn’t always come easily:

• Picky eaters are given plenty of time and space to discover new flavors at their own pace.
• Food allergies or special diets? Our childcare staff are happy to discuss a suitable nutrition plan.

Healthy Snacks

• Playgroup: Parents provide a healthy snack (for example, fruit).
• Daycare and After-School Care: We provide healthy snacks such as fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain crackers.

Birthdays and Other Milestones

Of course, we pay extra attention to special moments, such as birthdays, saying goodbye to a group, the arrival of a new sibling, or the first day of school. We celebrate these occasions without treats, but with plenty of fun, creativity, and personal attention for the child.

During these moments, we enjoy activities together, such as singing, dancing, crafting, making music, or preparing a healthy snack. This way, every milestone remains joyful, personal, and aligned with our healthy nutrition policy.

Using the KiesIkGezond App

To make healthy choices both at home and at childcare, we use the KiesIkGezond app from the Dutch Nutrition Centre. With this handy app, you can easily scan products to see if they fit within the “Schijf van Vijf.” Download the app via Google Play or the App Store.