MyPlate Kids' Place is a great resource for kids, parents and teachers. Resources include games, activity sheets, kid-friendly recipes and physical activity tips.

VISIT MYPLATE KIDS' PLACE!

Kids can also pledge to become MyPlate Champions! Pledging to be a MyPlate Champion is a promise to eat healthy and be active every day. Learning how to make healthy choices at home and at school is an important part of taking care of you. The first step is to know which choices are best for you. Use ideas from the list below to get started:

• Eat more fruits and veggies. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables every day!

• Try whole grains. Ask for oatmeal, whole-wheat breads, or brown rice at meals.

• Re-think your drink. Drink fat-free or low-fat milk or water instead of sugary drinks.

• Focus on lean protein. Choose protein foods like beans, fish, lean meats, and nuts.

• Slow down on sweets. Eat sweets, like cakes or cookies, once in a while and in small amounts.

• Be active your way. Find ways to exercise and be active for at least 1 hour a day like walking to school, riding your bike, or playing a sport with friends.

Can you pledge to eat healthy and be active? If you answered yes, you have what it takes to be a MyPlate Champion!

• The Smart Snacks in School standards help to ensure that kids are only offered tasty and nutritious foods during the school day. Here are a few things about the guidelines.
  
  Nutrition Standards for Smart Snacks for foods: 
  Any food in school must: 
  1. Be a whole grain rich product; or
  2. Have as the first ingredient a fruit, a vegetable, a dairy product, or a protein food;  or
  3. Be a combination food that contains at least 1/4 cup of fruit and/or vegetable
  4. Must meet nutrient standards for calories, sodium, fats, and sugar 
  
  Smart Snacks in Schools applies to: 
  1. All food and beverages sold to students outside of the school meal program
  - includes: vending machines, a la carte items, school stores, snack carts, and school fundraising 
  2. Effective all school day including before and after school 
  
  Take the guesswork out of determining whether your snack is Smart Snack Compliant. The Smart Snack Calculator will take you to a series of questions to see if your product meets the USDA's Smart Snacks in Schools nutrition standards.