Made with Love: Why Every Green Leaves Centre Has a Dedicated Chef
We believe that mealtimes at Green Leaves are more than just a moment to refuel. They’re also an opportunity to nurture young minds and bodies, foster a love of food, and bring a little joy to each day. That’s why every Green Leaves Centre has a qualified chef on-site, preparing fresh, nutritious meals and snacks for our children each day.
Our approach to food is grounded in the idea that healthy eating habits start early. By providing delicious, seasonal meals cooked fresh onsite, we give children a positive experience with food and help them build confidence trying new flavours and textures.
For our talented chefs, it’s more than just cooking. It’s also about making a meaningful impact. Jess, one of our chefs from Queensland, shares what being part of Green Leaves means to her:
“I love that I can plan and develop my own menus and run my own kitchen, which is an amazing honour. Green Leaves Early Learning has provided me with a beautiful state-of-the-art kitchen to help me further my skills in cooking for children. I work with a wonderful team of professionals who have a great sense of community, and someone is always there to give a helping hand – this type of team spirit is a rare and precious thing to have in the workplace.”
Each Centre’s chef crafts menus that are seasonal, diverse, and tailored to the children’s needs, allergies and preferences. By being part of the Centre community, our chefs get to know the children and families personally, creating a warm, home-like environment where food becomes a shared experience.
Emma H, a parent from Green Leaves Pelican Waters, shares just how much families appreciate this personalised approach:
“Chef Adrian is onsite and cooks the most amazing food for the children — lots of healthy variety with input from all families of their children’s favourites and cultural cuisines.”
Beyond daily meals, our chefs also lead regular Chef-Led Culinary Experiences. These are a highlight on the Green Leaves activity calendar! These hands-on sessions give children the chance to step into the kitchen (safely, of course) and explore food in a fun, engaging way. From making their own veggie pizzas or fruit skewers to learning about ingredients, flavours, and ‘eating the rainbow’, these experiences help children feel more confident around food. They learn where it comes from, how it’s prepared, and how it fuels their bodies, all while having fun and getting their hands a little messy.
These sessions are designed not just to teach cooking skills, but also to build a positive relationship with healthy food. Children are encouraged to explore new tastes, ask questions, and develop an appreciation for the diverse flavours of different cultures.
Ty, another passionate chef from Queensland, explains how fulfilling the role can be:
“I have found my time cooking for children at Green Leaves Early Learning immensely rewarding. It’s a real joy to be able to introduce a wide range of flavours, spices and vegetables from many cultures and nations to our children. To then receive positive feedback from families after their children have been talking about the different meals they have eaten is a real win.”
Laura Munro, a parent from Green Leaves Port Macquarie, puts it beautifully:
“Green Leaves is an incredible early learning centre that we wholeheartedly recommend. And the food! My goodness, I love that our kids are not only enjoying nutritious, balanced meals, but that those meals are diverse and delicious. Frankly I’m jealous. Parents can even collect free barista coffee and fresh baked treats each morning at drop-off.”
And it’s true… we know mornings can be busy, which is why of Centres provide complimentary barista-made coffee and fresh baked treats to parents and carers at drop-off. It’s our way of helping everyone start the day on the right foot.
As Ty adds:
“I also really like that Green Leaves Early Learning recognises how busy a parents’ morning can be and gives them the opportunity to come and order a complimentary coffee and enjoy a freshly baked treat to start their day right.”
From the kitchen to the classroom, Green Leaves is committed to creating a caring, connected experience for every child and family. Having dedicated chefs on-site and involving children in the kitchen through fun, educational experiences is just one of the many ways we provide exceptional care, made with love.
Want to see the magic for yourself? Find your nearest Green Leaves Early Learning Centre and book a tour today! We’d love to welcome you.
