Directions:

1. In a classroom or group setting, ask kids to write down what they ate and drank for lunch the last 2 days.
2. Display the MyPlate icon and ask which food groups are not represented in their food records. If any of the MyPlate food groups are not represented, ask what could be added to make it more balanced.
3. Discuss how, with healthy balance of choices, all foods fit.
4. Talk about how meals are a way we socialize with others. Especially at holidays, foods are a part of our traditions. (Talk about different food traditions at holidays.) In our “hurry-up” world and eating in front of the TV, computer, or video game, we lose sight of the social value of mealtime.
5. Talk about how all of these things make a meal something we enjoy! Discuss how balance also means healthy choices in a way that we ENJOY food. Make meals enjoyable by being creative with a variety of healthy foods and colors.
6. Ask kids to write a 1-2 paragraph description of what they enjoy most about lunch and how they could improve the “balance” of their lunch choices.

This activity is found on page 40 of the Food Museum booklet. For more activity ideas like the one above, check out HKC resource materials. See the Online Store for descriptors and to view the Table of Content and booklet sample pages.