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On January 9, 2025 the Office of Childhood (OOC) received a report alleging "Reporter asks reporter's child what he eats for lunch everyday, and he says things like cheeseballs, cookies, popsicles, etc. For snack everyday, they seem to have junk as well, such as cookies, crackers, etc. The facility does not provide any menus." After conducting an investigation, Compliance Inspector (CI) Caylin Mertz has found this allegation to be substantiated based on the following evidence and rule violations:
5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(E) which states "One (1) serving of fluid milk shall be served with each meal."
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5 CSR 25-500.202(1)(G) which states "The acceptable food components and serving sizes for meals and snacks are outlined in the following chart for each age group. Menus and amounts served shall be based on this chart."
On January 14, 2025, CI Mertz conducted an unannounced inspection and walkthrough at the facility. CI Mertz observed lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwich with cheese puffs. CI Mertz did not observe milk being served during lunch. CI Mertz did not observe any fruit or vegetable to be served with lunch. CI Mertz interviewed Director Michelle Stump, Cook Cathy Derrick, Child A, Child B, Child C, Child D and Child E. Director Michelle indicated she did not realize none of the children were given applesauce. Child A, Child C, Child D and Child E all denied having been served milk for lunch. None of the children interviewed articulated eating a lunch that included all necessary components. Child A stated he had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with cheeseballs and water. Child B stated she had a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, bananas, water, and chocolate milk. Child C stated he had a peanut butter sandwich and cheeseballs. Child E stated he had pickles and juice for lunch. The children all indicated what they ate and drank was all there was to eat and drink. Director Michelle and Cook Cathy were unable to identify why the posted menu which includes all necessary components was not being followed. CI Mertz did not observe any food prepared for the children, other than peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and cheeseballs. CI Mertz did not observe any indication that applesauce or milk was served. CI Mertz also observed a child eating a bowl of ramen noodles.
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