Food Guide Pyramid

The Food Guide Pyramid is a guide to healthy food choices for good daily nutrition. The Food Guide Pyramid is based on the recommendations of the United States Department of Agriculture.

Dairy: The dairy group contains foods like milk, cheese, ice cream, and yogurt. These foods are important for calcium.

Protein: The meat group contains foods like meat, poultry, fish, and peanut butter. These foods are important sources of protein, zinc, and iron.

Vegetables: The vegetable group contains foods such as carrots, squash, broccoli, and potatoes. These foods are important for vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Fruits: The fruit group contains foods such as apples, bananas, pears, and strawberries. These foods are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber.

Grains: The grain groups contains foods such as bread, cereal, rice, and pasta. These foods are important for vitamins, minerals, complex carbohydrates, and dietary fiber.

Using the Food Guide Pyramid
Ages 2 to 3 Sample Diet

Variety is important for a healthy diet. Your child requires variety among food groups, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables. Your child also requires variety within food groups, such as apples, bananas, and pears.

Ages 4 to 6 Sample Diet

Ages 7 to Adult Sample Diet