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Release No. 0124.99

Laura Trivers (202) 720-4623
laura.trivers@usda.gov 

Jim Borland (202) 690-0469
jim.borland@usda.gov 

USDA UNVEILS FOOD GUIDE PYRAMID FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

WASHINGTON, March 25, 1999--Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman today unveiled USDA's new Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children at the Washington D.C. Capital Children's Museum. This "children's pyramid" is an adaptation of the original Food Guide Pyramid released in 1992, and is targeted to children ages two to six.

"This new Pyramid is a great way to help parents start their children off on the right track nutritionally," Glickman said. "The poster is very 'child-friendly,' showing foods children will recognize in an appealing graphic. It should help many parents and care givers talk to their children about food choices and health."

The Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children is based on actual eating patterns of young children. USDA analyzed the diets of children ages 2-6, then adapted existing food guidance recommendations to meet their specific needs. The development of the children's pyramid and supporting educational material was a direct result of this research.

"The key message of the children's pyramid is variety. Offer your kids a variety of foods from the bounty of American agriculture," said Glickman. "There are no 'good' foods or 'bad' foods. Healthful diets depend on choosing a wide variety of foods of all types: grains, vegetables, fruits, meat, and dairy products--all produced by American farmers and all contributing to the health of our children."

The new pyramid also emphasizes the importance of physical activity for good health. The graphic features many children playing actively around the pyramid to symbolize how eating and activity work hand-in-hand. Like the traditional food guide pyramid, the children's pyramid emphasizes balanced meals, moderation, and variety in food choices, with special emphasis on grain products, fruits, and vegetables.

So what should parents do to improve their children's diets? Under Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services Shirley Watkins said "parents should set a good example. If your children see you eating a variety of nutritious foods, they will be more likely to want to eat them too." A 16-page booklet, "Tips for Using the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children 2 to 6 Years Old," includes the adapted pyramid graphic and accompanying information on good nutrition for children. The booklet is available to the public on USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion Internet home page at http://www.usda.gov/cnpp  or through the Government Printing Office by calling (202) 512-1800 and asking for stock number 001-000-04665-9.

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