--- title: Healthy Foods, Happy Children description: Healthy nutrition in preschool promotes growth, learning, and lifelong healthy habits. Explore Go NAPSACC tools and strategies to enhance your child care program's nutrition practices. image: https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/hubfs/CLIX-2026.05.19%20Building%20Healthy%20Bodies.png --- [![Child Care Aware of Missouri Logo](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Child%20Care%20Aware%20Logo%20(1).png?width=666&height=414&name=Child%20Care%20Aware%20Logo%20(1).png "Child Care Aware of Missouri Logo")](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication) Open main menu Close main menu [Child Care Health and Wellness](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/child-care-health-and-wellness) # Healthy Foods, Happy Children [Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/author/child-care-aware-of-missouri) [Share this blog post via Email](mailto:?subject=%3Cspan+id%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper_name%22+class%3D%22hs_cos_wrapper+hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field+hs_cos_wrapper_type_text%22+style%3D%22%22+data-hs-cos-general-type%3D%22meta_field%22+data-hs-cos-type%3D%22text%22+%3EHealthy+Foods%2C+Happy+Children%3C%2Fspan%3E&body=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post%3A+https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/chaw-healthy-foods-happy-children) [Share this blog post on Facebook](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/chaw-healthy-foods-happy-children) [Share this blog post on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/chaw-healthy-foods-happy-children) ![](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/hubfs/CLIX-2026.05.19%20Building%20Healthy%20Bodies.png) *Early childhood is a critical time to build healthy habits.* Good nutrition is not just about filling tummies; it is about fueling young minds and bodies for growth, learning and play. Healthy meals and snacks give children the energy to explore, focus on tasks, and develop strong bones, muscles and brains. Early childhood is a critical time to build healthy habits. Offering a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein helps children develop a taste for nutritious foods, while supporting overall well-being. Consistent mealtimes and balanced portions teach routines, patience and mindful eating. Nutrition plays an important role in behavior and learning. Children who eat well are more alert, better able to manage emotions and ready to engage with peers and teachers. By prioritizing good nutrition caregivers and educators give children the tools to grow strong, think clearly and thrive inside and outside the classroom. Interested in learning more about building healthy habits for young children? [Join the October 2026 cohort!](https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WVGHX2L) Registration for the October 2026 Go NAPSACC project is now open. For more information, please contact Lauri Choate, Director of Training at [lauri@mochildcareaware.org](mailto:lauri@mochildcareaware.org) or 314-754-1603. --- Explore our other Child Care Aware® of Missouri resources: [Clock Hour Training](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/free-clock-hour-training) [Scholarships for Educators](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/scholarships-for-educators) [Child Care Health and Wellness](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/child-care-nutrition-and-physical-activity) [Family Child Care Network](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/family-child-care-network) [Leadership Development Opportunities](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/leadership-development-opportunities) [Missouri Office of Childhood Updates](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/missouri-office-of-childhood-updates) [Show Me Child Care Resources](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/show-me-child-care-resources) [Support Child Care Aware® of Missouri](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/support-child-care-aware) [Community Data](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/community-data) [Join Our Team](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/join-our-team) [Resources to Build Your Business ](https://partnerpublication.mochildcareaware.org/partner-publication/tag/resources-to-build-your-business) #### About - Menu Item One - Menu Item Two - Menu Item Three #### Services - Menu Item One - Menu Item Two - Menu Item Three #### News - Menu Item One - Menu Item Two - Menu Item Three Follow us on Facebook Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Twitter Follow us on Instagram