by Audrey Maldonado

Created on: February 18, 2010

Food Pyramid Activities for Kids:

The USDA has revamped the food pyramid so that it is now easier for children to understand. Food groups are no longer stacked on top of each other. Now they are illustrated as vertical stripes with examples of the healthiest options from each food group represented at the base of the pyramid. Another important component was added to this new and improved guide to healthy living: physical activity! There is now a figure shown running up the pyramid to remind us that an active lifestyle is key.

 Each food group is represented by a color. This color-coding can be a valuable tool in helping kids learn how to make good choices about what they eat. Grains are represented by the color orange; vegetables are green; fruits are red; oils are yellow; milk is blue; meats and beans are purple. Challenge kids to learn the names and colors for these classifications.

 Mypyramid.gov is the USDA's website providing information about healthy eating. There is an area of the website devoted to helping children understand the food pyramid. Here, you can find printables, games, and tips for healthy eating.

 It is never too early to start learning how to eat right. Here are some suggestions for age-appropriate activities relating to the food pyramid.

 0-3 years

Take this opportunity to expose your child to a wide array of healthy foods. Playing with food is not always a bad thing. Make healthy foods fun foods! There are great options for creative snacks that go beyond the old standby of ants on a log.

 3-6 years

Use butcher paper and finger paints to make a giant food pyramid. Kids can practice distinguishing the groups by placing toy foods (or even real ones) on the giant pyramid.

This is also a great time for kids to start learning about agriculture. A trip to an orchard or farm can be a fun lesson about where food comes from.

 6-9 years

Take the lesson in agriculture one step further by helping your kids plan and cultivate their own gardens.

Teach kids to measure their foods. Make a game of it by getting them to guess at the amount on a plate of dinner. Today, helping children understand what a serving size is. In today's world of super-sized value meals, perhaps this is one of the most important nutritional skills you can teach.

 9-12 years

Letting kids help with meal planning and cooking is a great way to ensure that they will be able to prepare healthy foods when they need to do so for themselves. Kids who take part in this process tend to enjoy meals with the family more. Keep pyramid printouts available for easy reference.

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