YMCA vs Toronto Municipal Daycares
WE ARE VERY GRATEFUL for all the changes that have been made so far by Toronto Municipal Daycares, but since the food standard still falls far behind what the YMCA daycares offer for less money, we would like to see a higher standard.
Furthermore, the 10% local food motion proposed and passed by the Parks and Environment Committee is still very weak and far below what local farmers can supply.
We see no reason why Toronto Municipal Daycares could not match and be equally progressive to, or even surpass the YMCA food standard.
WHAT IS THE YMCA STANDARD?
This is a direct quote from their menu:
“We only use 100% natural ingredients, including organic whenever possible. Our chicken, beef, & turkey are hormone and antibiotic – free, naturally & ethically raised.
Fruits and vegetables listed on the menu may vary according to season and availability of fresh, local produce.
All items are free of trans fats, refined sugar, excess salt, artificial colouring, thickeners and preservatives.
We use triple – filtered water for our cooking, which removes chlorine, fluoride and eliminates the risk of E.Coli, Cryptosporidioum & Giardia.”
FRUSTRATIONS
We are frustrated by the sharp contrast in the food quality between Toronto Municipal Daycares and the YMCA daycares. The YMCA feeds kids organic/natural/local foods for $ 52/day versus the city feeding lower quality foods for $ 65/day (toddler fee). For preschoolers, theYMCA charges $ 35/day and the city charges $ 53/day.
One more statistic:
The Toronto Municipal Daycares allocate only $ 2.58 per day per toddler out of the already very hight fee of $ 65 per day.