What is MyPyramid for Kids?
MyPyramid for Kids is a child-friendly version of the new MyPyramid Food Guidance System released by USDA on April 19, 2005. The colorful MyPyramid for Kids graphic was designed for children 6-11-years old. The graphic includes the child-tested tagline, Eat Right. Exercise. Have Fun., that encourages school children to make healthy eating choices and be more physically active.

What are the differences between MyPyramid and MyPyramid for Kids?
MyPyramid for Kids is a child-friendly version of MyPyramid, the new USDA Food Guidance System. It was developed to help motivate children 6-11-years old to make healthy food choices and be physically active every day. The MyPyramid for Kids messages are the same as MyPyramid but are written in simpler language for children. MyPyramid for Kids includes illustrations of children involved in a variety of physical activities and shows healthy foods from each food group that will appeal to children. The graphic, slogan, and messages of MyPyramid for Kids were developed for and tested with elementary school-aged children.

Why was it developed?
Most people first learn about nutrition in elementary school. MyPyramid for Kids was developed to reach elementary school-aged children and teach them the new Food Guidance System. MyPyramid for Kids presents all of the MyPyramid concepts in an appealing way to attract children’s attention and encourage them to learn more.

What new materials will be available?
A color double-sided poster; classroom materials including lesson plans and activity sheets; a color mini poster with healthy eating and activity tips for parents on the back; and an interactive computer game that reinforces the key concepts of MyPyramid for Kids. The classroom activity sheets include: A Close Look at MyPyramid for Kids, a step-by-step explanation of the key concepts of the MyPyramid for Kids graphic; a black-and-white MyPyramid for Kids coloring sheet; and a worksheet to help track daily food and physical activity choices.

What will be available for educators?
MyPyramid for Kids classroom materials are available to elementary school educators. Lesson plans communicating nutrition concepts through age-appropriate activities are offered in three grade levels. Level 1 is for children in grades 1 and 2, Level 2 is for children in grades 3 and 4, and Level 3 is for children in grades 5 and 6. The lessons include a MyPyramid for Kids poster, activity sheets, a CD of MyPyramid Blast Off (an interactive computer game), Tips for Families (a parent handout), and a CD of supplemental materials for educators. The lesson plans, which can be taught with minimal preparation, contain handouts to be duplicated; include a link with the National School Lunch Program; and provide material to send home to parents.

How will the materials be distributed?
All the materials will be available on MyPyramid.gov and the teamnutrition.usda.gov websites for downloading. Educators may request the printed classroom materials from the Team Nutrition Website or from the MyPyramid.gov website.

Does the MyPyramid for Kids help combat obesity?
MyPyramid for Kids is designed to help combat obesity by encouraging children to make healthy eating and physical activity choices. On average, Americans do not eat enough dark green and orange vegetables, legumes, fruits, whole grains, and low fat milk products; they eat too many fats and caloric sweetners. MyPyramid for Kids recommends eating more of the under-consumed foods and less solid fats, caloric sweeteners, and foods high in fat and sugars. By understanding and following the dietary guidance of MyPyramid, children may make choices that will lead to healthier lifestyles.


This page was last updated on November 04, 2008 02:15 PM