1. MyPlate Fun Run

2. Objectives
Identify the 5 food groups of MyPlate and examples of foods within each food group.
Understand how MyPlate is a reminder to incorporate each food group in each meal
Engage in an active game to reinforce the topics learned about MyPlate

3. Procedure - Step 1 Begin with introduction to MyPlate food groups
Each food group will be briefly explained by a member of our group
Students will give examples of their favorite foods from each food group
TINA: “MyPlate is a helpful reminder to find your healthy eating style. It is an easy reminder for us to include a food from each of the 5 food groups at each meal. The five groups are: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy and protein. Different categories on the plate help us balance our diets because My Plate is a divided plate, so no one food group overpowers the other. That’s because it’s better to eat a variety of foods instead of “super-sized” portions.”
JORDAN: “Before eating, it is important to think about what goes on your plate or in your cup. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein help you eat healthy and be healthy.”
*pointing to fruit category* “The fruit food group includes whole fruits such as fresh, frozen, dried, and canned options. Fruits are excellent sources of vitamin C, which heals cuts and keeps your skin healthy, and fiber, which helps your digestion. You should try to have 2-4 servings of fruit a day. What are some yummy examples of fruit you like to eat? ”
* pointing to vegetable category* “The next category is vegetables which are also great sources of fiber and vitamin A. Remember that darker colored vegetables, like carrots and broccoli have more nutrients. Try to have 3 to 5 servings of vegetables a day. What are some yummy vegetables that you like to eat?”
MACKENZIE*pointing to grain category* “Grains are foods that give you energy because they contain carbohydrates. What are some examples of grains? Grains includes breads, cereals, rice and pasta. Try to have 6-11 servings of grains a day.” Whole grains are the best option too!
*pointing to dairy* Dairy foods include milk, yogurt and cheese. Dairy is important because the key ingredient is calcium, which builds strong bones and teeth. You should have 3-4 servings of dairy a day. When is your favorite time to eat dairy foods?”
*pointing to protein* “Foods include meat such as beef, chicken, turkey, beans, and nuts. This group provides iron which gives you strong muscles. You should have 2-3 servings of protein a day. What’s your favorite protein to eat?”

4. Procedure - Step 2 Explain the MyPlate Fun Run game
Students will divide into two teams behind a line set 10 feet from the wall.
On the wall are two posters of MyPlate. Each food group will have a piece of velcro attached.
At the line will be 2 sets of photos of foods. The photos will have velcro on the back. These foods will include foods that correspond with the 5 food groups of MyPlate as well as foods that don’t belong in any food group, such as dessert foods and candy.
The goal of the game is to choose one food that belongs in each food group from the basket.
When we say, “Go!” the first person from each team will run to the basket and pick out a food to stick to its corresponding food group on MyPlate. Once the food is stuck on, the team member will run back to the starting line and tag the next team member to go.
The first team to correctly place a food in each food group, creating a balanced MyPlate, will be the winners.

5. Procedure - Step 3
3. Play MyPlate Fun Run and discuss food choices

6. Procedure - Step 4
4. To check for understanding at the end, we will ask questions to determine what has been learned (ex: Can you give me other examples of foods that belong in each food group?)
Those who answer questions correctly can choose a prize
All participants can choose a prize after completing the activity

7. Conclusion What is an example of that food group?
“Eating healthy can be fun. MyPlate is an easy, useful tool to create a colorful and balanced meal each time you eat! Get creative! After doing the activity, who remembers the 5 sections of MyPlate? (Fruits, Vegetables, Grain, Protein, Dairy). These five groups are important because they create a healthy, balanced meal.
Ask questions to evaluate:
Other than the foods on each poster, who can name 2 more examples of foods that belong in the ________ food group?
If your plate has vegetables, fruits, and grains, what food group is missing?
What is an example of that food group?
3. Why are grains important to incorporate in your diet?
4. This food group will help make our bones strong because it is a great source of calcium
5. Apples and Oranges are apart of what food group? “