Food & Nutrition

Wholesome Meals for Growing Minds

Freshly prepared, kid-approved meals made from regional, organic ingredients—delivered to W Montessori Academy every school day.

Made from Scratch Local & Organic Non-GMO Whole Grains

See Sample Menus Food & Allergy FAQ

Food service in partnership with Gourmet Gorilla.

Fresh & Seasonal

Menus follow the seasonal growing calendar.

High Nutrient Focus

Less processed, more vitamins & minerals.

Safety & Standards

Exceeds CACFP, DCFS, USDA & ISBE guidance.

Delivered Daily

Proper hot/cold containers at agreed stations.

Our Food Philosophy

Children thrive on wholesome, simple, responsibly sourced meals. We craft food kids love while building lifelong healthy habits and a connection to where food comes from.

We Are For

✔Local & organic ingredients
✔Made-from-scratch cooking
✔Great-tasting, kid-approved recipes
✔Non-GMO choices & whole grains
✔High nutrient density

We Avoid

✔High-fructose corn syrup
✔Artificial additives & trans fats
✔Highly processed foods
✔Growth hormones & antibiotics
✔“Mystery meats”

Meals We Provide

Families can opt into any combination of Lunch and PM Snack. Hormone-free and organic milk options are available. Ordering aligns to seasonal menus.

Lunch

Balanced entrées with vegetables, fruits and grains, portioned for age-appropriate nutrition.

PM Snack

Simple, nourishing snacks that keep children satisfied through the afternoon.

Milk

Hormone-free and organic options available.

Nutrition, Standards & Safety

Dietitian-guided menus exceed child nutrition guidelines (CACFP, DCFS, USDA, ISBE) and address common dietary needs and preferences.

✔Daily deliveries in proper hot/cold containers; placed at designated stations on campus.
✔Hot holding equipment can be provided for safe, consistent service.
✔We prioritize local & organic sourcing; ingredients continuously evaluated for nutrient density.
✔Monthly ingredient lists ensure transparency for allergens and serving sizes.

Support You Can Reach

w@montessorlt.com

Food as Part of Learning

We connect children with the full food journey—farm to kitchen to table. Programming may include farm visits, cooking demos, and nutrition lessons that build community and curiosity.

Curriculum Connections

Hands-on experiences help children understand seasons, sustainability, and healthy choices.

Seasonal Menus (Monthly)

New seasonal menus are posted in advance and feature child-friendly flavors with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Kid-Approved Fresh & Balanced Transparent Ingredients

Ingredient & Allergen Lists

Full ingredient transparency helps families manage allergies and dietary preferences with confidence.

✔Separate PDF per month
✔Includes GF/DF/EF & Vegan variants where applicable
✔Updated alongside monthly menus

Download Ingredient & Allergen List

Food & Allergy FAQ

How do you handle food allergies and dietary needs?

Menus are planned with allergies and sensitivities in mind. Ingredient lists are published monthly, and staff follow strict protocols to prevent cross-contact.

Where do the ingredients come from?

We prioritize regional, local, and organic suppliers to reduce processing and increase nutrient density.

How are meals delivered and served safely