Food provides the body with energy and each type of food has a certain energy value. Young children are very busy people; not only are they growing each day, they are also very active. Did you know that children actually need more energy than adults in relation to their body weight? They do, so it is very important to think about what children eat and how much they are eating.

And, children form eating habits early in life. Familiarize yourself with the food guide pyramid shown here and be sure that the children in your care are eating a healthy and balanced diet.

For copies of the children’s food guide pyramid and additional information about nutrition go to:
http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/KidsPyra/.