How Food Helps Me Grow







After completing this activity, children will be able to:

  • state that calories provide energy
  • state that protein is needed for growth
  • state that fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and other nutrients needed for health



Lead a discussion about nutrition with the children:

  • What things help them grow? Write their suggestions on the board.
  • What are the names of the PKU food groups? Write the food groups on the board as they name them--fruits, vegetables, grains (low protein cereals, breads, pastas), and formula/"milk". These foods help you to stay healthy. There is also a fifth group (at the very top of the pyramid) that includes miscellaneous treats/snacks/free foods. We should choose these less often.
  • Does anyone know what is in these different food groups that help to keep you healthy?

Hand out a previously prepared food picture to each child. Ask each child to turn their picture over and read what is written on the back. Use this activity to explore these topics:

  • fruits and vegetables provide vitamins and minerals
  • formula provides protein which helps them grow
  • all foods give them energy, but grains and cereals give them a lot of energy

Distribute the handout . Allow the children to work through it, then discuss the answers together.



  • Dry-erase markers or chalk (for the board)
  • Prepare pictures of fruits, vegetables, grains, cereals, and formula. On the back of each picture write what it provides for the body (fruits and vegetables = vitamins/minerals, grains and cereals = energy, formula = protein)
  • acrobat reader logo Worksheet
  • Pencils



As your child eats various foods, discuss what nutrients that food contains.


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