Welcome back to the Big Hearted Podcast! In this episode, we dive deep into the world of food education with the wonderful Mandy Dos Santos from Little People Nutrition. 🌱🥕 Mandy shares her expertise on how educators and parents can create meaningful connections with children through food, emphasising the importance of communal meals and food education beyond basic nutrition.

In This Episode:

• Introduction to Mandy Dos Santos: Learn about Mandy’s journey from working in food manufacturing to becoming a passionate advocate for food education and community health. Discover how her background in nutrition and food science has shaped her approach to teaching children about food.


• Food Education vs. Nutrition Education: Mandy discusses the difference between teaching children about food as a holistic experience and focusing purely on nutritional content. She explains why it's crucial to build a relationship with food that goes beyond nutrients and calories.


• The Importance of Communal Meal Times: We explore the concept of communal meals in early childhood settings and how they serve as powerful touchpoints for connection, learning, and emotional development. Mandy shares insights on the profound impact that eating together can have on children's social and emotional growth.


• Challenging Progressive Mealtimes: Mandy and Victoria discuss the trend of progressive mealtimes and its impact on children’s sense of community and routine. They delve into the importance of rhythm and routine during meal times and why they believe in structured, communal eating experiences.


• Integrating Gardening and Food Education: Discover the benefits of incorporating paddock-to-plate programs in early childhood education. Mandy shares practical tips for educators on how to create meaningful gardening experiences, even in small spaces, and the value of teaching children where their food comes from.


• Empowering Educators and Parents: Mandy emphasises the role of family day care educators in creating nurturing, home-like environments that support healthy eating habits and foster deep connections. She offers practical advice on menu planning, involving children in meal preparation, and creating a positive food culture.

Key Quotes:

• "It’s not just about the nutrients; it’s about the connection we build with food." – Mandy Dos Santos


• "If we can develop a relationship with food that is joyful and connected, we empower the health of our children as they grow." – Mandy Dos Santos


• "Educators have a unique opportunity to mirror a nurturing home environment, providing meals that are about connection and learning, not just feeding." – Mandy Dos Santos

Resources Mentioned:

• Little People Nutrition: Mandy’s website offers a wealth of resources, including educational programs, books, and consultation services for early learning centres.


• Mandy’s Book – "At My Family Table": Explore Mandy’s book, which encourages families to come together at meal times, highlighting the social, emotional, and nutritional benefits of shared meals.


• The Golden Grove: Mandy’s not-for-profit paddock-to-plate program that runs playgroups, homeschool groups, and school visits, focusing on food education and connecting with nature.

Connect with Mandy Dos Santos:

• Website: Little People Nutrition


• Instagram: @littlepeoplenutrition


• Facebook: Little People Nutrition

Join the Conversation:

We’d love to hear your thoughts on today’s episode! How do you approach mealtimes in your early learning environment? Do you have any tips for creating a positive food culture with young children? Share your insights and join the discussion on our social media channels.

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