Nutrition

The University of Texas Child Development Centers offer a range of meal service options to meet each family's unique needs. At each location, menus are thoughtfully planned in accordance with nutritional value and appeal to children. 

Capitol Complex Location

At the UTCDC Capitol Complex location morning and afternoon snack are provided by the center, along with milk at lunch. Parents may pack their child a lunch each day or participate in a self-paid catering program. A light late-afternoon snack is also served to children who are here after 5:00pm. Parents may bring in breast milk for their children. A place is available onsite for nursing mothers and cold storage is available for breast milk. Please inform program staff of any food allergies and bring a doctor’s statement to document the allergy. 

Comal and Leona Locations

The Comal and Leona centers participate in the Child and Adult Care Food Program, and follows their guidelines for food service. These guidelines are posted on the USDA Web site for parents to read. The children receive breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack daily, and a light late-afternoon snack is provided to students who are here after 5:00pm. The Comal and Leona centers will provide baby food, rice cereal and formula for children under one year as appropriate or parents may bring infant food. Parents may bring in breast milk for their children. A place is available onsite for nursing mothers and cold storage is available for breast milk. 

Parents may only provide substitutes for religious reasons or a protein alternative for vegetarian diets on days that meat is served; please talk with your center's Site Director if this is a need for your family. We will also accomodate medical conditions with proper documentation as described below. Do not send food for your child to the center unless it is a special occasion such as a picnic or party. All of the children eat better when they are served the same meals and snacks.

Medical Documentation Requirements for Dietary Accommodations 
(Comal and Leona)

UTCDC is committed to supporting children with medically necessary dietary restrictions while also complying with CACFP meal program requirements.

If your child requires dietary accommodations beyond the substitutions we are typically able to provide within our meal program, we may require written documentation from a licensed healthcare provider.

To help us safely and appropriately support your child, the medical documentation must include:

Required Information

  1. The child’s medical condition, allergy, intolerance, or disability
    • Please include the diagnosis or medical reason for the restriction.
  2. The specific foods or ingredients that must be avoided
    • Examples: milk protein, eggs, peanuts, gluten, soy, strawberries, etc.
  3. The recommended substitutions or accommodations
    • Please indicate whether substitutions within the center meal program are appropriate and, if so, what substitutions are recommended.
  4. Whether the child may safely consume modified versions of program meals
    • For example:
      • lactose-free dairy products
      • baked egg products
      • gluten-free alternatives
      • ingredient substitutions

Additional Information

Under CACFP requirements, UTCDC must provide meal substitutions when:

  • A child has a disability or medical condition that restricts their diet, and
  • A written medical statement is provided by a licensed healthcare professional that includes the information listed above.

Requests based solely on:

  • Food intolerances without a qualifying medical disability
  • General “sensitivities”
  • Food preferences or lifestyle choices (including those described as “health reasons”)

are considered non-disability dietary requests under CACFP regulations and may not require full meal replacement or parent-provided meals.

UTCDC is committed to working collaboratively with families and healthcare providers to support children’s health and safety while also meeting our obligations as a CACFP program provider.

Sugar and Sweets

  • Low-sugar snacks and treats are encouraged for holiday / birthday parties.
  • Please do not send candy to the center.

Non-Discriminatory Policy

In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write to:  Director, Civil Right Division, MC W-206, Texas Health and Human Services Commission, P.O. Box 149030, Austin, TX  78714-9030 or USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C.  20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD).