Learning Care Group

At all Learning Care Group (LCG) schools, the company continues to deliver on its commitment to prioritize nutrition and fitness through Grow Fit, its comprehensive healthy lifestyle initiative. Created by a registered dietician nutritionist, the Grow Fit menu now offers 45 varieties of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, more than 30 multi-cultural offerings, and 100% whole grain options with the newest option being the WG Banana Muffin. LCG has eliminated all fried foods and juice from the Grow Fit menu. LCG also has eliminated all grain-based desserts and condiments such as syrup, further reducing consumption of sugar. As the company continues to implement new best practices for nutrition, its advancements also are driving positive changes among other early education and childcare providers. Learning Care Group has worked closely with its vendors to introduce healthier versions of child favorites such as grilled chicken nuggets and chicken burgers in place of breaded patties, whole grain cheese ravioli and cornbread. LCG’s Grow Fit Recipe Book now features more than 80 standardized recipes, including palate-expanding new offerings such as Winter Baked BBQ Chicken, Spanish Spinach & Chickpeas, and Tandoori Chicken. In keeping with its support of the PHA’s Veggies Early and Often campaign, LCG also continues to educate families on the importance of including veggies early & often in their children’s diets. A new vegetable is highlighted each month through LCG social media and newsletters. Tips on why you should eat them, best purchasing and PHA approved recipes are shared monthly. Additionally, Veggie-forward recipes are included on our PHA approved Grow Fit menus including Tex-Mex Beans and Crispy Garlic Edamame. Physical activity is an essential part of every school day, LCG’s Grow Fit Yoga program continues to be a hit. The Grow Fit Garden program continues to evolve, with a new school gardening training provided to all staff. LCG’s enhanced gardening curriculum, additional resources for indoor and outdoor gardening activities, and the expanded seed program aligns with its Grow Fit recipe book which enables schools to utilize what they grow in the meals served to the children.