Practical suggestions for improving the mealtime environment in child care centers are provided for child development personnel. Nine factors to ensure a successful mealtime environment are given along with suggestions for introducing new foods and for encouraging independence and socialization during mealtime. A section dealing with special circumstances such as slow eaters, obese children, allergies, and special diets is followed by ways to encourage children to participate in many aspects of the meal including planning the menu, growing the food, preparing the food, decorating and setting the table, and cleaning up. It is recommended that a statement of nutrition philosophy for a child care center be formulated. (A sample philosophy statement is included.) (JH)