At Honour, we partner with CubbyHouse Kitchen to bring a gourmet, evidence based nutrition program right into our centres. Here’s how it works:
The CubbyHouse Kitchen Difference
- Chef-curated seasonal menus: Our meals are designed by professional chefs, using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Nutrition Australia approved: The three week rotating menu is aligned with national nutrition standards.
- Age-appropriate meals, five times a day: Breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and evening snack — all tailored to suit the developmental and nutritional needs of different age groups.
- Family-style dining: Children eat together in communal settings, encouraging conversation, modelling, and positive food behaviours.
We believe that the environment and the people around food matter just as much as the food itself. Trusted adults and peers who model healthy eating create a safe space for children to experiment without pressure.
Why Nutrition Matters in The First 0–5 Years
The early years of life (from birth to age five) are a rapid period of physical, cognitive, and emotional development. What a child eats during this time doesn’t just fuel play and growth; it lays the foundation for long-term health, learning, and food preferences.
- Brain development is extraordinary in early childhood: Up to 90% of a child’s brain growth happens by age five. Nutrients like omega3 fatty acids, iron, zinc, choline, and certain vitamins support neural connections, memory, attention, and language skills.
- Taste preferences are formed early: Exposure to a wide variety of flavours, textures, and cuisines in toddlerhood helps children become more accepting of different foods later.
- Healthy eating patterns track into later life: Children who grow up with balanced, varied diets are more likely to maintain healthy eating habits as they grow; reducing risks of diabetes, and other diet related conditions.
At Honour Early Learning, we believe food is more than sustenance; it’s part of a child’s learning and exploration of the world.
Cultivating a Broad Palate Through Global Flavours
We aim to expand each child’s taste horizon, giving them culinary “windows” into different cultures and regions. When children try foods from around the world—a few powerful things can happen:
- Desensitising “novel flavours.”: Rather than resisting new tastes, children become more curious and open.
- Respect for diversity: Food becomes a gateway to conversation about culture, tradition, and diversity.
- Better nutritional variety: Many global cuisines naturally incorporate vegetables, legumes, herbs, spices, and whole foods, foods that are nutritionally dense.
Our approach ensures that complex flavours and textures are normalised.
What Families Can Expect
- Balanced meals, every day: We cover all food groups — plenty of vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, dairy (or suitable alternatives), and healthy fats.
- Cultural experiences on the plate: Expect dishes inspired by Asia, the Mediterranean, Latin America, the Middle East, and beyond — always adapted to be childfriendly while keeping authentic flavours.
- Opportunities for learning: Children are gently introduced to new foods; we discuss where ingredients come from, talk about tastes, textures and encourage curiosity.
- Support for home and drop-off: For busy mornings, we offer breakfast options at drop-off. We also share menu ideas and nutritional tips with families to continue learning and healthy habits at home.
Why Honour’s Nutrition Strategy Matters for Your Child
- Optimised growth and immunity: Nutrient-rich meals support healthy height, weight, muscle development, and defence against illness.
- Stronger cognitive foundations: Good nutrition supports attention, memory, emotional regulation, and readiness to learn.
- Confidence in trying new foods: Children who are repeatedly exposed to different foods — in a non-pressured, positive environment — are more likely to accept them.
- Lifelong respect for food: Early habits matter. A child who grows comfortable with variety is better equipped to make healthy choices, appreciate cultural foods, and enjoy mealtimes throughout life.
