Food

Healthy eating is important at Appel Farm, so we strive to offer nutritional and balanced meals daily.

Nutrition

A nutritionist-approved menu includes vegetarian and allergy-friendly options at every meal. Locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables are a part of every meal and our protein rich (tofu, chick peas, sunflower seeds) salad bars are full of vegetables from our on-site organic garden.

Our top-choice meats and milk choices are hormone free, and we don’t serve any pork products. We offer soy milk, Lactaid, soy peanut butter, and gluten free breads and pastas for those campers with allergies. Our Chef strives to prepare food in healthy ways by baking, grilling or roasting all entrees. We don’t even own a fryer!

Campers create small communities at each table by choosing to sit with their friends and two Counselors, who help every child make healthy choices. Meals are served buffet-style and we offer mid-afternoon and evening snacks.

Dining Hall Features

• Nutritious, buffet-style meals with lots of options
• Air-conditioned dining hall for all meals
• Organic garden that stocks the fresh salad bars
• Nutritious menu with options for vegetarians, picky eaters and special diets

Snack!

Campers may stop by the Dining Hall or Pavilion between minors for a couple of cookies and a piece of fresh fruit. After the evening activity, campers may come to the Dining Hall to relax and socialize with friends and enjoy a snack such as soft pretzels, granola bars, popcorn, or cheese crackers.

Fresh, organic produce!

One of the best parts of being in the heart of the Garden State is the fantastic organic garden that flourishes right outside the Dining Hall each summer.

Allergies and Special Diets!

Worried about your child being on a special-diet while away from home? Have you held back from a sleepaway camp experience because you just weren’t sure there would be enough options? 

We offer gluten free, dairy free, vegetarian and vegan options with every meal. The bountiful fresh salad bar is presented every day and is allergy-friendly, with no nuts or cheese. One table is designated as peanut-free. We are not a peanut free camp, but we  can accommodate children with mild nut allergies. In special cases, we will work with you to enable your child to bring their own foods to supplement their needs. 

Your child’s health is important to us, and to our meal preparation team. Your child will leave the stress and anxiety at home, and you will feel good knowing your child is in good hands.

How to make sure your camper will be safe and healthy at camp:

• If your camper has a severe food allergy, please call a Camp Director today to discuss your camper’s needs in detail.
• Include any food allergies, medically prescribed meal plans or dietary restrictions, or special food needs on your Camper’s Health Form.
• Before camp, speak to your child about making healthy choices while at camp to ensure his or her health and safety.
• Campers with gluten allergies can bring special snacks and/or dessert items to be kept in the kitchen. Please label them with your camper’s name, and give them to the Head Chef on Check-In Day.
• On Check-In Day, discuss your child’s allergies thoroughly with our Camp Nurses.

How Appel Farm will keep your camper safe and healthy:

• We will meet with our Head Chef before camp to discuss your camper’s needs and make sure that your camper will be able to make good choices at each meal during the session.
• Our Head Chef will post the menu, along with warnings for campers with known allergies, on a board at the front of the dining hall before each meal. Campers should check the board before every meal to ensure they are making good choices. If the entrée or sides include something that your camper cannot eat, an alternative item will be offered.
• Appel Farm has an allergy-friendly drink, sandwich, and salad bar station that is free of peanut butter, or any other nuts. Soy peanut butter is available upon request. The station also has soy milk, and other substitutions for campers with food allergies.
• Campers with severe food allergies are encouraged to sit with our Camp Nurses at the allergy-friendly table near this station.