I provide snacks and parents provide Lunch?

[Inspired by Reggio]

I firmly believe that part of the reason I have so much success with children eating well and balanced is that starting at 18 months they are part of the 'menu planning' so that each week one morning snack, lunch and pm snack is something they 'planned' with me. I use photos on my computer from all the various food groups for them to choose from (and than move them into a folder once they are chosen so next kid is force to pick something 'different' so we get variety) and we talk about making their choice balanced and so forth and than when their planned item comes up in the week they have that 'ownership' of it and will talk it up to their picky peers about 'try it i picked this its really good' type things ... positive peer pressure works way better than ME trying to get them to eat things.