Grantee and delegate agencies must ensure that nutritional services in center-based settings contribute to the development and socialization of enrolled children by providing that:

1. A variety of food is served which broadens each child's food experiences;
2. Food is not used as punishment or reward, and that each child is encouraged, but not forced, to eat or taste his or her food;
3. Sufficient time is allowed for each child to eat;
4. All toddlers and preschool children and assigned classroom staff, including volunteers, eat together family style and share the same menu to the extent possible;
5. Infants are held while being fed and are not laid down to sleep with a bottle;
6. Medically-based diets or other dietary requirements are accommodated; and
7. As developmentally appropriate, opportunity is provided for the involvement of children in food-related activities.