Food and Nutrition

Healthy and organic meals prepared by our on-site chefs

Food and nutrition

At Basker International Childcare, formerly known as Zein International Childcare, we believe that nutrition is one of the most important aspects of a child’s development. A healthy lifestyle, consisting of a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is essential for children’s health and well-being. It provides the right building blocks, gives energy and stimulates brain development. Supporting healthy eating in the early years is key to helping children reach their full potential.

Little girl eating food at Basker International Childcare

What your child eats with us

Food at Day Care and Pre-School (ages 0-4)

At our Day Care and Pre-School locations, in-house chefs prepare fresh, organic meals every day. From wholesome breakfasts and warm lunches to healthy snacks. Our menus feature organic fruit and vegetables, meats, fish, and vegetarian options.

We encourage children to explore a wide range of tastes and textures, helping them develop healthy eating habits for life. Because young children grow quickly and have high energy needs, we ensure they receive regular, balanced meals that provide the essential nutrients for their development. Special dietary needs and allergies are carefully taken into account.

As part of our commitment to healthy nutrition, we serve healthy and organic warm meals. For the day care and pre-school children, prepared by our on-site chefs.

Food at After School & Holiday Care (ages 4-12)

After School Care

Children enjoy a balanced range of organic snacks that are filling yet light enough not to spoil dinner at home. The menu includes organic fruit and vegetables, meats or fish, pasta, rice and bread, with cold and warm options served on alternate days. Every child is supported to eat healthily and enjoy a variety of wholesome choices throughout the week.

Holiday Camps

There’s no need to prepare a packed lunch, as our team cooks fresh, organic meals on site each day. Menus include organic fruit and vegetables, meats and fish, pasta, rice, bread and cereals. Children are encouraged to try new things, while still having choice and flexibility. On field trip days, we provide organic picnic lunches to enjoy while out and about, with campers usually returning in time for a healthy afternoon snack. Special dietary needs and allergies are carefully taken into account.

Why a healthy start matters

Nutrition is serious business and highly valuable. Healthy food strengthens the brain and offers many long-term benefits.

A strong immune system

Healthy food strengthens the immune system and helps prevent illnesses such as obesity and diabetes.

Healthy growth and development

Nutritious food supports the healthy growth and development of both body and brain.

Positive mood

Eating well helps children concentrate, focus, relax more easily and feel happier.

Healthy habits

Children who learn to make healthy choices from a young age are more likely to maintain a healthy lifestyle later in life.

Healthy Nutrition Policy

Our Healthy Nutrition Policy is based on the guidelines of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre (Stichting Voedingscentrum Nederland). We always offer a wide and varied range of food and encourage children to try new things they may not yet know. At some of our locations, cooking is made into an interactive activity, where children join in preparing healthy and tasty meals. By exploring new scents, flavours and textures, your child develops their own sense of taste.

Highlighted in our Healthy Nutrition Policy:

Healthy drinks
Drinking is important for hydration. Sugary soft drinks and juices stimulate the brain’s reward system and can create a preference for sweet tastes. In the long term, this increases the desire to consume more sugar, something we want to prevent. What does your child drink with us? Water! Sometimes with a slice of orange, cucumber or a sprig of mint. Or (herbal) tea. Always natural and healthy! Throughout the day, children are encouraged to drink, not just during set mealtimes.

Seasonal fruit and vegetables
We serve fruit and vegetables according to the season. This ensures variety and the best nutritional value.

Celebrations and treats
Milestones and special occasions should be celebrated! At Basker International Childcare, we provide a treat at the location so parents do not need to bring one from home, giving you more freedom to make different choices outside childcare. Sometimes we even separate celebrations from food altogether, celebrating your child in other ways. For example, they might choose an activity such as performing a play or dressing up. We understand that as a parent you want your child to feel special. Ask your child’s pedagogic professionals how they can mark particular occasions.

A healthy lifestyle

Our Healthy Nutrition Policy, based on the guidelines of the Netherlands Nutrition Centre, goes beyond simply offering healthy meals. We eat and drink consciously, paying attention to each other and to what is on our plates. During mealtimes, our childcare professionals create a warm and relaxed atmosphere so that children experience eating as enjoyable.

As childcare professionals, we play an important role in helping children develop a healthy lifestyle. That is why all our locations display posters with nutrition facts, and our staff receive additional guidance to support them in putting the policy into practice.

Download the seasonal fruit and vegetable poster