Child Care Food Services That Help Kids Grow
Our Child Care Food Services are designed to support early learning and daycare centers by providing kid-friendly, nutritious meals that help children grow and thrive. We handle everything from breakfast to afternoon snacks, so teachers and caregivers can focus on what they do best – caring for children – while we ensure those young tummies are full of good food.
Side Street knows that early childhood nutrition is vital. That’s why we craft menus that are both healthy and appealing to infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Think colorful fruits and veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins prepared in fun, tasty ways that little ones enjoy. We also pay special attention to food allergies and dietary needs, working closely with centers to keep every child safe and included. Every meal is prepared with the same warmth and love as if we were feeding our own family. We serve all USDA child nutrition programs, including CACFP (for childcare, daycare, other formats), NSLP (National School Lunch Program), SBP (School Breakfast Program), SFSP (Summer Food Service Program), ASP (Afterschool Snack Program), and FFVP (Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Program).
Who We Serve
Early Childhood & Daycare Centers
Nourishing infants, toddlers, and young children with balanced meals in preschool and child care settings.
Private & Charter Schools
Providing breakfast, lunch, and snacks to K-12 students in schools that value quality food and reliable service.
Corporate & Institutional Cafeterias
Managing on-site dining for businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations that require daily meal service for their people.
Community Programs & More
Supporting camps, after-school programs, and other community initiatives with flexible food service solutions.
Why Work with Side Street
Deep Experience
With over 40 years in business, Side Street brings seasoned expertise to every meal program. We understand how to run efficient, cost-effective food services without sacrificing quality.
Fresh & Healthy Meals
We are committed to cooking from scratch with fresh ingredients. Our menus are balanced and can be tailored to meet nutritional standards – helping those you serve stay healthy and satisfied.
Customized Solutions
No two organizations are the same. We collaborate with you to design meal plans, delivery schedules, and serving styles that fit your unique needs. Flexibility and personal attention are at the core of our service.
Cultural Variety
Side Street offers diverse menu options to delight every palate. We can accommodate dietary requirements and preferences – including vegetarian, vegan, Halal, Kosher, gluten-free, and more – ensuring everyone feels included and cared for.
Reliable & Caring Service
Our team is punctual, professional, and above all caring. We build friendly relationships with the children and adults we serve every day. You can count on us to be there on time with a smile, making dining with us feel like home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Side Street Food Service?
Side Street Food Service is an Indiana-based food service management and catering company with more than 40 years of experience specializing in fresh, flavorful meals and personalized service.
Are you locally owned?
Yes, Side Street is locally owned and operated in Indiana, which we believe creates stronger relationships and more responsive support.
What types of organizations do you serve?
We partner with K-12 schools, charter and private schools, early childhood and childcare centers, corporate cafeterias, and non-profits.
Where do you provide service?
We serve facilities throughout Indiana and surrounding areas, depending on your program size and operational needs.
Can you handle both small and large meal volumes?
Yes, we are equipped to handle both small and large-volume programs efficiently through our centralized commissary and operations team.
What staffing and management models do you offer?
We offer flexible solutions; we can provide full onsite management, partner with your existing kitchen staff to provide support, offer supplemental staffing, or provide tailored meal delivery if your facility lacks full kitchen capabilities.
Do you help with kitchen setup?
Yes, we assess kitchen operations, workflow efficiency, serving line setup, and equipment needs to set your program up for success.
Which USDA child nutrition programs do you support?
We have extensive experience managing the National School Lunch Program (NSLP), School Breakfast Program (SBP), CACFP (Child and Adult Care Food Program ), RCCI (Residential Child Care Institution), Summer Food Service Programs (SFSP) and other USDA federally reimbursed programs.
How do you handle food safety and regulatory compliance?
We follow strict food safety protocols, operational audits, local health department regulations, and comprehensive HACCP standards to ensure total compliance.
Can you accommodate special dietary needs and food allergies?
Yes, we pay special attention to allergy-sensitive needs to ensure safety, and we routinely provide accommodations for vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, Halal, and Kosher requirements.
How Much Does Your Meal Service Cost?
Meal pricing generally ranges from $15 to $35+ per person, depending on the menu selected. Our team can help you explore available menu options and provide more specific pricing for your needs.
Do You Deliver Meals to Childcare Facilities?
Yes. Delivery is available to childcare facilities throughout the Indianapolis metro area for a minimal fee. For facilities outside the metro area, delivery pricing depends on order size and the delivery distance.