Why Catering for Child Actors Requires Special Consideration

October 23, 2025

When it comes to catering for children on TV & Film sets, it’s never just about what’s on the plate – it’s about safety, nutrition, comfort, and creating a food experience that supports young performers during long, often tiring days on set.

At Rhubarb Rhubarb Catering, we understand that child actors have very specific needs. Whether it’s kid-friendly set catering, managing special dietary needs for children, or ensuring the highest level of food safety for kids, we take a thoughtful, tailored approach to every meal we serve.

Here’s why catering for young actors takes more than a “mini version” of the adult menu – and how we make sure they’re well-fed, happy, and ready to shine on screen.

1. Kids Need the Right Kind of Fuel

Growing bodies and busy brains need the right nutrition – especially when working long hours on set. Unlike adults, children burn through energy quickly, so nutritious meals for young actors are essential to keep them going without crashing halfway through a scene.

We focus on fresh, balanced meals that are rich in nutrients and flavour, without being heavy or overly processed. Think of it as food that supports performance both on-screen and off.

Healthy Options We Love Serving:

  • Grilled chicken with sweet potato wedges and peas – Balanced and naturally kid-friendly.
  • Wholegrain pasta with veggie-packed tomato sauce – Comforting, familiar, and full of goodness.
  • Fruit pots with natural yogurt and granola – Sweet without the sugar overload.
  • Mini wraps with lean protein, salad, and hummus – Great for picky eaters and easy to customise.

Every menu is designed to be as nourishing as it is tasty, helping children stay energised and focused throughout the day.

2. Familiar Comforts Make All the Difference

We know that being on a film set can be a bit overwhelming – especially for younger cast members. That’s why we make sure to include comfort food favourites that help kids feel at home, no matter where they’re filming.

Our kid-friendly set catering includes plenty of recognisable, familiar meals that are both comforting and easy to eat, without sacrificing nutritional value.

Comfort Options That Hit the Spot:

  • Mini roast dinners with chicken, mash and veg – Like a Sunday lunch, but on set.
  • Mild mac and cheese – Always a winner, and easy to adapt for dietary needs.
  • Mini veggie flatbreads – A fun twist on pizza, made fresh and balanced.
  • Banana bread slices – Homemade, lightly sweetened, and full of slow-release energy.

By offering meals that feel familiar, we help younger actors settle in, feel supported, and stay fuelled through their scenes.

3. Food Safety for Kids Is Top Priority

When catering for children, food safety isn’t negotiable – it’s absolutely essential. We follow strict hygiene and handling protocols, especially when preparing meals for children with allergies, intolerances, or special dietary needs.

At Rhubarb Rhubarb, we’ve developed a food safety process that’s clear, robust, and child-focused. Every member of our team is trained to manage and monitor safety at every step, from prep to plate.

How We Keep It Safe:

  • Clearly labelled meals with allergen info
  • Separate prep areas for allergen-free meals
  • Strict hygiene standards for child-specific meals
  • Temperature-controlled storage and serving

With food safety for kids, there’s no room for shortcuts – and we’re proud to offer a service that gives parents, guardians, and productions peace of mind.

4. Special Dietary Needs? We’ve Got It Covered.

Every child is different, and when you’re feeding a group of young actors, you’re almost guaranteed to encounter a range of dietary requirements – from gluten-free and dairy-free, to nut-free, vegetarian, or religious dietary restrictions.

We take a personalised, flexible approach to ensure that every child’s meal is suitable and just as enjoyable as everyone else’s.

Special Meals Might Include:

  • Vegan lentil shepherd’s pie with mash topping
  • Gluten-free pasta with dairy-free tomato & veg sauce
  • Mild chicken curry with rice for cultural preferences
  • Allergy-friendly snack boxes with fresh fruit and oat bars

Our team works closely with guardians, production teams, and chaperones to get it right for every child, so they’re properly fuelled without any worry.

5. Keeping It Fun, Balanced, and On Time

We know that even the best meals can go uneaten if they’re too fussy or poorly timed. That’s why we plan our film crew catering for children around set schedules, activity levels, and break times, making sure food is ready when it’s needed and easy to enjoy in a short break.

We also add a little fun to our presentation – from colourful, compartmentalised snack boxes to shaped fruit and simple but creative plating. Because we believe that food should be as joyful as it is nourishing – especially for kids.

Why Rhubarb Rhubarb is the Go-To for Child-Friendly Set Catering

We love what we do – and that shows in the care we take with every meal. When it comes to catering for children on TV & Film sets, we combine experience, food safety, creativity, and passion to deliver something that feels more like a warm hug than a plate of food.

Why Productions Trust Us:

  • Thoughtfully planned, child-appropriate menus
  • Food safety protocols tailored for kids
  • Flexible dietary options for all needs
  • A friendly team who genuinely care
  • Service that fits seamlessly into set life

Planning a shoot with young actors? Let’s chat. We’ll bring the food that keeps them happy, healthy, and camera-ready.

Adam Little Chef

Adam Little

Chef & Owner Adam Little boasts a 17-year career, gaining extensive experience across various catering sectors and shaping his unique style. His dedication to quality food and excellent customer service led him to Location Catering, where he served as Chef Manager on numerous productions. Adam and his team are committed to delivering great food, exceptional service, and a welcoming environment, always on time.