Which of the following practices is essential for healthy nutrition in child care?

Offering a variety of fruits and vegetables is crucial for healthy nutrition in child care because these foods are packed with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that support children's overall growth and development. A diverse selection of fruits and vegetables helps ensure that children receive a wide range of nutrients necessary for their physical and cognitive development.

Incorporating various colors and types of produce can also encourage children to develop healthy eating habits early on. Exposure to different flavors and textures can foster a positive attitude toward nutritious foods and promote lifelong preferences for healthy eating. Furthermore, providing a range of fruits and vegetables can address the nutritional needs of children at different stages of development, making it easier for caregivers to meet guidelines for balanced meals.

Other options do not effectively support the nutritional requirements of children in childcare settings. Focusing solely on whole grains, for instance, overlooks the importance of including other food groups that provide essential nutrients. Limiting meals to snacks may lead to insufficient calorie intake and imbalanced nutrition, while providing fast food occasionally can introduce unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium that are not conducive to a child's healthy growth and development.