Appendix N_Operator Activity Guides

Control Number: 0584-0524 | Expires 06/30/2016 | Appendix N

United States Department of Agriculture

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FUN

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Y GUIDE

ACTIVIT
PERATOR

O

INSIDE:
6 games and activities
to celebrate healthy
choices this summer

BOOST ATTENDANCE!  
• Posters
• Flyers
• Postcards
• Brochures for families,
with lots of tips for a
healthy summer

Hello
sunshine!
School is out
and kids are
ready to play

SWEETENED DRINKS

Fruit and Veggie Rainbow

VARY YOUR FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

This simple ready-to-go game challenges kids to think
of an entire rainbow of fruits and vegetables.

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT
FOR…
MAKE HALF YOUR

1. DO: Invite kids to play a game. Have kids stand in a circle.

• Ages:
6-10
PLATE FRUITS
• Size
of
Group: 5-25
AND VEGETABLES
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

2. ASK: “You may know that fruits and vegetables are good for you, but did you
know that you should try to eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables over the course
of the week? Why do you think it’s good to eat a variety of kinds of fruits and
vegetables?” (Encourage kids to say that different fruits and vegetables can have
different vitamins and other nutrients. Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables
helps the body get the nutrition needed to grow, play, and be healthy.)

MATERIALS

EAT FRUITS AND
None

VEGETABLES AT
MEALS
SET
UP & SNACKS
None
See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

3. SAY: “Today we are going to play a fun game called Fruit and Veggie Rainbow.
When I say a color, I’ll give a few moments for everyone to think of a fruit or
vegetable that is that color. Then, we’ll go around the circle and when it is your
turn, you can give an answer or run around the circle and sit down. The next
person will get to answer or sit. And so on. When we’ve named all the fruits and
vegetables we can think of, everyone stands.”
4. PLAY: Call out these colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple.
5. WRAP-UP: “Great job! You know so many different colors of fruits and
vegetables. Remember: Eat smart to play hard. Choose fruits and vegetables at
meals and snacks.”

All of these fruits &
vegetables are
in season during
EATthe
SMART,
summer
EXERCISE,
months!

HAVE FUN

LOW

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Ask kids to tell you which fruit or veggie they like the most.
• Have kids make posters of each color to display at the summer meal site.

A Rainbow of Summer Fruits and Veggies

RED

ORANGE

YELLOW

GREEN

BLUE

PURPLE

Cherries
Raspberries
Strawberries
Tomatoes
Watermelon
Red Bell Peppers

Apricots
Peaches
Cantaloupe
Nectarines
Orange Bell Peppers
Carrots

Corn
Yellow Squash
Yellow Bell Peppers

Honeydew Melons
Lima Beans
Collard Greens
Spinach
Green Beans
Peas

Blueberries
Blackberries

Plums
Grapes
Eggplant
Beets

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, brainstorm a list
before you start and see how many
they can remember.
For older kids, use a clapping
rhythm to keep up the pace.

For smaller groups, divide kids into
two teams and take turns, instead
of going around the circle.
For bigger groups,
make two circles.

If you have more time, see how
many they can remember.
If you have less time, combine colors,
such as red/orange or blue/purple.

No materials? No time? No problem!
2

Try this quick tip when serving food or when kids are eating. Ask: “Did you know that eating a variety of fruits and veggies
helps you eat smart to play hard? Can you think of a fruit and vegetable for each color of the rainbow?”

ME

PREP-O

Lights! Camera! Water!
Give kids a chance to turn off the television and become the
entertainment! Kids will create and perform short commercials
about the benefits of drinking water in this fun drama activity.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS
1. ASK: “Have you ever seen a commercial for a soda, energy drink, or other drinks that
have added sugars? What was it like? Now…have you ever seen a commercial for
water? Why do you think there are more commercials for sugar-sweetened beverages,
like soda, than for water?”
2. SAY: “Water is healthy and free, but not well advertised. Did you know that plain
water doesn’t have any added sugars? So it’s better for keeping a healthy weight and
preventing cavities than sugar-sweetened beverages. Best of all, ice-cold water tastes
great on a hot day! Today you are going to make up a commercial to help spread the
word about the benefits of water.”
3. DO: Divide kids into small groups of 2-4, or have them make a group with a few friends.
Explain the rules (below). Give kids 10-15 minutes to create and rehearse their skits.

CHOOSE WATER
INSTEAD OF SUGARMEDIUM
HIGH
SWEETENED
DRINKS

PREP-O-METER

PREP-O-METER

PERFECT FOR…
VARY8-13
YOUR FRUITS
• Ages:
ANDofVEGETABLES
• Size
Group: 6-20
• Time: 30-60 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

MATERIALS

MAKE HALF YOUR

Props (optional): such as drinking cups,
PLATE
FRUITS
water
bottles,
other beverage containers,
AND
VEGETABLES
or poster board for kids to create their
own props.

SET UP

Your commercial must have:

Optional:
Write rules
on large sized paper
EAT FRUITS
AND
or chalkboard.
VEGETABLES AT

• A catchy slogan about drinking water
• A scene that shows kids choosing water

MEALS & SNACKS

See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

• Three reasons why water is a great drink choice
4. PERFORM: Set up a “stage” and a place for the audience to sit. Groups take turns
performing. Encourage the audience to clap for each group.
5. WRAP-UP: “That was awesome! You did a great job spreading the word about the
benefits of water. Remember, water is refreshing and good for you, especially on hot
days in the summer. Instead of reaching for a sugary drink, choose water!”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:

EAT SMART EET IT!
TW
TO PLAY HARD
Great turnout for our
summer
meals, summer fun
EAT SMART,
event at (insert name of location)!
EXERCISE,
The fun continues on (date).

• Give kids time to drink water after performances.
• Invite family members to join the audience.

HAVE FUN

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, simplify the rules
and provide a catchy slogan, such as,
“Choose water every day!”
For older kids, let them be the
directors or ask them to create a jingle.

For smaller groups, make groups of 2
work together to create a commercial
to perform for families.
For bigger groups, make groups of 4-5.

If you have more time,
let audience members give
compliments after performances.
If you have less time, simplify the rules
and give kids less time to rehearse.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Say: “I want to motivate kids to choose water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks like soda and
energy drinks. Can you think of a catchy slogan to get kids like you to drink more water?”

3

AND VEGETABLES

Fruit and Veggie Trivia

EAT FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES AT
MEALS & SNACKS

Kids take on the jobs of Fruit-Teacher and Veggie-Instructor
to encourage their friends to eat more fruits and vegetables.
This activity develops speaking and leadership skills.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. SAY TO TWO SELECTED KIDS: “Did you know that fruits and vegetables help
kids and teens get the nutrition they need to grow and do their best at sports
and play? I wish that all the kids here would eat more fruits and vegetables, but
I’m too busy serving food to teach kids about why they should do that. Can you
help me out? I selected you because you are a positive leader. We will call YOU
the Fruit-Teacher and YOU the Veggie-Instructor. You’ll get to eat first, then come
stand near the fruit and vegetables I’m serving and motivate other kids to try
more fruits and vegetables by teaching them cool facts.”

EAT All
SMART
• Ages:
ages
TO
PLAY
• Size of Group:HARD
Any size group,
but only two kids at a time
• Time: 5-20 minutes
• Setting: During meal service
EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
None
HAVE FUN
MATERIALS

1. Decide if this will be a one-time or
ongoing activity.

2. DO: Read the Fruit and Veggie Trivia (p. 5) to the Fruit-Teacher and VeggieInstructor, and have them each pick one bit of trivia about a food being served
today. Serve your volunteers their food first. When they finish eating, have them
share their facts and encourage others to eat the fruits or veggies offered at the
summer meal site.

2. Choose two kids with positive
leadership qualities, like confidence
and kindness.

3. WRAP-UP: “Thank you so much for helping me out! Did you see kids taking more
fruits and vegetables? Remember, you helped boost the nutrition knowledge of all
those kids by encouraging them to eat more fruits and vegetables!”

See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:

SET UP

• Select a different pair of kids every week.
• Find more fruit and vegetable facts online at:
http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/consumers/eating-health/fruits-vegetables.

!
TWEET IT

ADDITIONAL NOTES
We played Fruit and Veggie Trivia
today! at (insert name of location)!
The fun continues on (date).

If this activity is a success, consider making it an ongoing activity. Reward kids for
eating more fruits and vegetables by selecting them for the job.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, tell them
one fact to share.

For smaller groups,
choose one kid.

If you have more time, see how
many facts they can remember.

For older kids, encourage them to look up nutrition For bigger groups, choose
facts at home and come prepared to share.
four kids at a time.

If you have less time, select the trivia in
advance instead of having the kids choose.

No materials? No time? No problem!
4

Share the facts yourself!

ME

PREP-O

Fruit and Veggie Trivia
We have some fresh tomatoes today. Tomatoes are grown and picked
during the summer time, so they taste extra good right now. Try some!

Try some carrots! Carrots are full of beta-carotene, which is easy and fun
to remember because it sounds like better-carroting. Beta-carotene plays a
role in helping you see at night. We should call them night vision carrots!
Did you know that red bell peppers are actually just green bell peppers that
were allowed to ripen on the plant? Bell peppers are the most common
type of sweet pepper. They are so sweet and crunchy, too. Try some!
Want to cool down? Try some cucumbers! The inside of a cucumber can
be 20 degrees cooler than the outside air. So cucumbers are a refreshing
way to make half your plate fruits and veggies.
Check it out! We have lettuce today. Did you know that lettuce is a
member of the sunflower family? Lettuce is crispy, crunchy, and full of
Vitamin A which keeps your eyes and skin healthy. Try some!
Don’t forget to power up with some black beans. Beans have protein
that is used by your body to build muscles. They’re tasty, too!
Can you guess which two fruits have been the most popular fruits in
America for over 40 years? (Apples and bananas.) They’re popular
for a reason. Have one with your lunch today.
Watermelon tastes great by itself, but you can also eat it in salsas and salads. Our
watermelon today is sweet and juicy. Watermelon is high in Vitamin C and a good
source of Vitamin A. So it’s a tasty way to eat smart to play hard. Try some!
We have some sweet strawberries today. Did you know the average
strawberry has 200 tiny seeds on the outside? Strawberries are also high in
Vitamin C and fiber so they are a tasty way to eat smart to play hard.

5

TO PLAY HARD

Bring the Heat 2-Minute Challenge

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

Kids will challenge themselves to see how many
LOW
exercises they can do in a specific amount of time.
PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…
• Ages: 7-14
• Size of Group: Any size
• Time: 30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

MATERIALS
• Bring the Heat checklist (one per kid)
• Pencils

1. SAY: “Eating smart and playing hard helps
us stay healthy and strong. I know you all
like to run around and have fun because
I’ve seen you do it! How many jumping jacks
do you think you can do in 2 minutes? How
many frog-jumps do you think you can do in
2 minutes? Today we’re going to challenge
ourselves to bring the heat and reach some
activity goals.”
2. DO: Hand out checklists (see p. 7) and pencils.
If a kid is unable to perform an activity, help
him or her write in an alternate exercise that
gets the heart rate up (such as playing catch).
Ask kids to fill in a goal for how many of each
exercise they think they can do in 2 minutes. Divide kids into partners (they will
take turns counting). Set your timer for 2 minutes.

• Timer (Tip: Use your phone)

SET UP
1. Copy Bring the Heat checklist
(on opposite page).
2. Gather pencils.
3. Decide how much time you will
have and set your timer.
4. Plan to do this activity before eating.
See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

3. PLAY: When you say “GO!,” kids begin the first exercise while their partners
count. When the timer goes off, yell “STOP!” and kids fill in how many exercises
they did in 2 minutes. Partners switch. Continue until all exercises have been
done. Give kids time to drink water.
4. WRAP-UP: “How many of you met your goals? Great job! How many of you went
above and beyond your goals? Amazing! Who thinks they can beat their goals next
time? Remember to eat smart, exercise, and have fun!”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Play again the next day to see if kids can beat their records.
Great job at our Bring the Heat
2-Minute Challenge! Don’t forget
to get at least 60 minutes of
physical activity each day.

• Make additional copies of the checklist and send home for families to use together.
• Write in new physical activities, using kids’ suggestions.

!

TWEET IT

Make It Your Own

AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, read directions out loud.

For smaller groups, work as a group instead of
as partners. Count and cheer for each person.

If you have more time,
add more exercises.

For older kids, let them add their own
exercises and ideas on the lines.

For bigger groups, put kids in
groups of 3 or 4.

If you have less time,
do fewer exercises.

No materials? No time? No problem!
6

Distribute the checklist for families to use together at home.

HIGH

PREP-O-M

Bring the Heat 2-Minute Challenge Checklist Copy this checklist and distribute to each kid.
How many of these can I do in 2 minutes?

My Goal

Today I Did…

Frog jumps
Jumping jacks
Invisible jump rope jumps
Disco moves
Chicken dances (One chicken dance is pinching your fingers
4 times, flapping your arms 4 times, wiggling your body 4 times,
clapping 4 times, then swinging in a circle with your partner.)

✁

Summer is a great time to be active! Remember to eat smart, exercise, and have fun at home!
MAKE TODAY A TRY-DAY!

Water Sparklers

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
LOW

PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

Give kids a chance to taste delicious and healthy sparkling water. This tasting activity
couldn’t be easier. Simply pour the beverages, encourage kids to make healthy choices,
and let them taste. For a fun twist, make fruit juice ice cubes in advance! When selecting
unflavored sparkling water, check to make sure it is calorie-free and sugar-free.

CHOOSE WATER
INSTEAD OF SUGARHIGH
SWEETENED DRINKS

PREP-O-METER

VARY YOUR FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

MATERIALS
• 100% orange juice and 100% grape juice (no added sugar)
• Unflavored sparkling water
• Ice (optional)
• Small cups

PREPARE THE SPARKLERS
Follow food safety directions in the Operator Booklet. Mix up the following combinations
for kids to taste:
• Sparkling water
• Sparkling water with a splash of orange juice
• Sparkling water with a splash of grape juice

BEFORE TASTING, SAY:
“Have you ever tried sparkling water? You can find it in many grocery stores. But
sparkling water is a much healthier choice than soda, sweet tea, and fruit punch, which
have added sugars. Eating and drinking too much added sugar may lead to cavities and
make it hard to keep a healthy weight. Sparkling water is fizzy like soda, but does not
contain any added sugars. Today we are going to try sparkling water by itself and with a
tiny splash of 100% fruit juice. This adds a little flavor without adding sugar.”

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

EAT FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES AT
MEALS & SNACKS

IT!

WEET
EAT TSMART
TO PLAY HARD

Loved seeing everyone at
EAT meals,
SMART,summer fun.
summer
EXERCISE,
Remember to try the Water
HAVE FUN
Sparklers recipe we shared.

AFTER TASTING, ASK:
“Which one was your favorite?”
“Have you ever seen sparkling water in the grocery store?”
“How would you make this at home?”

7

AND VEGETABLES

BE THE CHEF!

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

SERVINGS:
EAT FRUITS6 AND
VEGETABLES AT
SERVING
SIZE: 2 lettuce cups
MEALS & SNACKS

INGREDIENTS:
1

10-oz. can all white meat chicken

Fruity Fun Chicken Salad Cups
LOWcups,
MEDIUM
This chicken salad, served in cute lettuce
PREP-O-METER
PREP-O-METER
helps make summer fruits and vegetables fun to eat.

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

DIRECTIONS
1. Drain canned chicken.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chicken, strawberries,
spinach, and green onions.
3. In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream,
yellow mustard, oregano or dill, and black pepper.

½ cup strawberries, diced

EAT SMART
½ TOcup
fresh spinach,
PLAY
HARD chopped

4. Gently fold the dressing into the chicken mixture.

¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced

5. Measure a ¼ cup of chicken salad into each
lettuce leaf.

¼ cup fat-free sour cream

OPTIONS

4 teaspoons yellow mustard

• Consider adding blueberries, diced peaches, or grapes for a fruitier chicken salad.

EAT
SMART,
2 
teaspoons
dry oregano leaves
EXERCISE,
OR dry dill weed
HAVE FUN

¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
12 small Romaine lettuce leaves or
Bibb lettuce leaves

SAFETY STEPS
In every food preparation activity, it’s
important to follow proper safety steps.
Follow the food safety instructions in
the Operator Booklet.
• Wash your hands. Clean surfaces
to be used for food preparation with
hot, soapy water. Cover the food
preparation area with clean butcher
paper or a disposable tablecloth for
easy cleanup.
• Prepare the ingredients. Rinse and
prepare produce for the Fruity
Fun Chicken Salad Cups using
safe food-handling practices as
described in the Operator Booklet.
Place all ingredients on plates or
in bowls, cover, and refrigerate
until ready to use.
• Lead kids in proper hand washing
steps, as found in the Operator
Booklet.

8

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

• Instead of serving in lettuce cups, serve over 1½ cups of leafy greens like Romaine
and/or spinach to make it a salad.
Food Demonstration Samples: Offer cup of chicken salad and ¼ of a lettuce leaf
in small cups. Provide a fork. Makes 24 samples.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Amount per serving: 2 lettuce cups; Calories: 58; Total Fat: 2 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g;
Sodium: 121 mg; Potassium: 145 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 4 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g;
Sugars: 1 g; Protein: 7 g; Vitamin A: 1368 IU; Vitamin C: 10 mg; Vitamin D: 0 IU;
Calcium: 35 mg; Iron: 1 mg.

Get children involved in making the recipe!
SHOW them how to:
• Cut the strawberries, using a plastic (food service disposable) knife
• Tear the spinach into bite size pieces
• Remove the lettuce leaves from the head of Romaine
• Measure the sour cream and mustard
• Measure the oregano and pepper
• Help gently stir the salad mixture
• Fill the lettuce cups

Share These Fun Facts:
* Because of their size, leaf lettuce can be used as a sandwich wrapper
instead of a tortilla or bread!
* Romaine lettuce leaves provide Vitamin A, which helps keep your eyes and
skin healthy.
* Oregano is an herb typically used in Latin, Indian, and Mediterranean cooking.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FNS-XXX. Month 2016.
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

Control Number: 0584-0524 | Expires 06/30/2016 | Appendix N

United States Department of Agriculture

O
T
N
I
H
S
PLA

S

S
L
A
E
M
R
E
MM

SU

INSIDE:
6 games and activities
to celebrate healthy
choices this summer

BOOST
ATTENDANCE!  
• Posters
• Flyers
• Postcards
• Family Activity
Guides, with lots
of tips for a healthy
summer

ITY GUIDE

R ACTIV
OPERATO

Hot out?

Cool down
with this
fun water themed kit .

AND VEGETABLES

Jump in for Healthy Choices

EAT FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES AT
MEALS & SNACKS

LOW

PREP-O-METER

Kids will learn to identify “Sometimes Foods” and
“Everyday Foods” with this active and easy ready-to-go game.

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. DO: Gather kids into a circle.

• Ages:
5-10
EAT SMART
• Size
of Group:
Any size
TO PLAY
HARD
• Time: 10-30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

2. ASK: “To be healthy, we need to eat foods from each of the five MyPlate Food Groups.
Who knows what the Five Food Groups are? (Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Dairy, and
Protein Foods). You can see all of the food groups on the MyPlate icon. These foods
provide nutrients that our bodies need to be healthy.

MATERIALS

MyPlate
icon (next page)
EAT SMART,
Note:
you
can request a MyPlate poster
EXERCISE,
from
Team FUN
Nutrition at
HAVE
http://teamnutrition.fns.usda.gov

SET UP
None
S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

The healthiest food choices from these food groups are low in added sugars and solid
fats. Everyday Foods are foods that have a lot of nutrients we need without a lot of extra
calories from added sugars and solid fats. These foods help us stay healthy and strong.
Foods that are high in added sugars and solid fats are called Sometimes Foods
because they provide extra calories without nutrients, like vitamins and minerals. We
should eat Sometimes Foods less often and in smaller amounts. Eating too many
Sometimes Foods makes it difficult to get the nutrition we need to be healthy and can
make it hard to keep a healthy weight.
Today we are going to play a fun game to test your knowledge of Sometimes Foods
and Everyday Foods.”
3. PLAY: Have kids pretend they are standing around a swimming pool or a big lake.
Tell kids that when you say a food, they have to decide if it is a Sometimes Food
or a healthy Everyday Food. If it is an Everyday Food, they jump forward. If it is a
Sometimes Food, they jump back. Call out foods from the list on page 3.
4. WRAP-UP: “Great job! Remember, water, low-fat and fat-free milk are “Everyday”
drink choices. Regular soda, sports drinks, sweet tea, and fruit drinks are
“Sometimes” drink choices because they have added sugars. Fruits and vegetables
can be great Everyday Foods as long as we do not add sugars, butter, and other
sauces to them. Cakes, cookies, and candies are Sometimes Foods because they
contain solid fats and added sugars which are not good for our bodies. Remember,
choosing fruits, vegetables, water, and fat-free milk more often helps us eat smart
to play hard.”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Start slowly and then speed up to increase the fun and the giggles.
• Continue using the words Everyday Foods and Sometimes Foods when you can.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, play slowly.

For smaller groups, have kids pretend they
are standing in line for a diving board.

If you have less time,
play with fewer foods.

For older kids, let them act as
activity leaders by having them
call out foods on the list.

For bigger groups, make sure there is
If you have more time, ask everyone to
enough space for everyone to jump in safely. share 1 fruit or veggie that they like to eat.

No materials? No time? No problem!
2

Try this quick tip when kids are eating. Read aloud Step 2 and ask kids to say
“Everyday” or “Sometimes” when you call out a food. Use list on page 3.

MEDI

PREP-O-M

Everyday and Sometimes Foods
Teach kids that healthy eating means choosing foods and drinks that are low in
empty calories most of the time, and limiting sugar-sweetened drinks and other
less healthful choices to occasional treats and in smaller amounts.

Examples of
Everyday Foods

Examples of
Sometimes Foods

Apple

Candy (added sugars, solid fats)

Water

Cupcakes (added sugars)

Tomato

Sweet Iced Tea (added sugars)

Cucumber

Bacon (solid fats)

Carrots

Regular Soda/Pop (added sugars)

Pineapple

Cookies (solid fats, added sugars)

Red Pepper

Sports Drinks (added sugars)

Low-Fat Milk

Lemonade (added sugars)

Peanuts

Gummy Fruit Snacks (added sugars)

Red Beans

Donuts (solid fats)

Whole-Wheat Bread

Pizza (solid fats)

Tuna Fish

Milkshake (added sugars, solid fats)

3

Make a Splash with Water Games!
Kids love to get wet in the summertime. Follow the Water Safety Rules
to ensure that everyone has a fun and safe time.

Water Safety Rules
Keep the activity fun and safe with these simple precautions:

• NO RUNNING. This applies to kids and adults.
• Stop when you hear the whistle or when an
adult yells, “freeze!”
• The materials may only be used as part of
the game (no throwing or grabbing materials).
• Children and adults must be wearing
appropriate clothing for water play.
• It is highly recommended to have
extra adult chaperones to assist you.
• The first aid kit must be stocked with adhesive bandages,
antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment (in case of scrapes).

FAMILY NOTE

✁

Send this note to families before water activities.

Dear families,
On____________________________________________ at ________________,

(date)

(time)

we will be celebrating summer with fun water games at our meal site.
If your child would like to participate, he or she must wear appropriate clothing for
water play, such as a bathing suit and water shoes or clothes that can get wet. 
Your friends at ________________________________________________________________summer meal site
(location)

✁

4

TO PLAY HARD

Water Balloon Relay Toss
Kids will get off the couch and run outside to join LOW
this high-energy water game.
PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HIGH
HAVE FUN
PREP-O-METER

1. DO: Set up a starting line and a finish line. Put the buckets at the finish line. Invite
kids to join for a water balloon game.

PERFECT FOR…

2. SAY: “Summer is my favorite season because we can get outside and play fun
outdoor games like this one. I know some of you like to play video games and
watch television, but your body needs to get up and get moving each day. Eating
smart and playing hard helps us be strong and healthy. Really, we should limit our
screen time to just an hour or two a day. With games like this, it’s fun to move
more and sit less.”

• Size of Group: 10+

• Ages: All
• Time: 30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors

MATERIALS
• 6 latex-free water balloons per team
(3 to play and 3 to break)

3. BEFORE YOU PLAY: Go over the Water Safety Rules on page 4. Anyone who
breaks the rules will automatically be out for the rest of the game.

• Water

4. PLAY: Make 2 or more even mixed-age teams. Have kids stand about 3-5 feet
apart in a line between the starting line and finish line. Each player must gently
toss the water balloon to the next team member. When the balloon gets to the
finish line, the last person gently places it into the bucket. If the balloon breaks
or falls on the ground, they have to start from the beginning. The goal is for each
team to get three water balloons to the bucket behind the finish line.

• 2 clean buckets
• Whistle (optional)

SET UP
1. Before doing this activity, make sure
parents are aware that their kids may
get wet.

5. WRAP-UP: “That was fun! Remember that summer is a great time to move more
and sit less!”

2. Read Water Safety Rules (p.4) and
prepare the area.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
Encourage kids to think of other water games to play instead of watching TV or
playing video games.

3. Fill water balloons with help from kids.
S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

!

TWEET IT

Kids had a blast during the Water Balloon
Toss at our summer meal site this week!
More games are planned for (insert date).

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, have kids
stand closer together.

For smaller groups, play
water balloon catch instead.

If you have less time, prepare the water
balloons one day in advance.

For older kids, add a rule that they must throw
underhand only. Any kids who throw a water
balloon in an unsafe way will have to sit out.

For bigger groups, give
each group a limited
number of balloons.

If you have more time, play a round in
which every kid is standing in one long line.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Try this quick tip when serving food or when kids are eating. Say, “Summer is a great time to turn off the TV and
video games and play with water outside. What are some of your favorite outdoor water games?”

5

TO PLAY HARD

Hot Tomato

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

Kids will get wet and learn about seasonal fruits andLOW
vegetables with this new version of a classic game.
PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. DO: Have kids sit in a circle.

• Ages: All ages

2. SAY: “Today we are going to play a game called Hot Tomato. Some of you know
the game Hot Potato, but tomatoes are a seasonal fruit, so we are going to play
Hot Tomato. All fruits and vegetables are picked in a season — seasonal fruits and
veggies are just picked in one particular season rather than all of them. For example,
tomatoes, corn and many other fruits and vegetables are picked in the summer, so
we can say they are in season, or “seasonal,” right now. For this game, you will need
to know some summer fruits and vegetables. Who knows some fruits and vegetables
that are harvested in the summer?” Take answers from kids and use examples
provided on page 7 for more.

• Size of Group: 10+
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Indoors, Outdoors

MATERIALS
• 10 water balloons, or
1 sponge and 1 clean bucket

SET UP

1. Before doing this activity, make sure
parents are aware that their kids may
get wet.
2. Read Water Safety Rules (p. 4) and
prepare the area.
3. Fill water balloons with help from kids,
or fill bucket with water, if using.
See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

3. BEFORE YOU PLAY: Go over the Water Safety Rules on page 4. Anyone who breaks
the rules will automatically be out for the rest of the game.
4. PLAY: Give one kid the “tomato” (a water balloon or soaked sponge). Sitting in a
circle, pass the tomato from person to person while chanting the Hot Tomato Rhyme.
When you reach the end and everyone says, “More!,” the kid holding the tomato
must burst the balloon or squeeze the sponge over his or her head. Repeat with other
seasonal fruits and vegetables, as suggested by kids.
5. WRAP-UP: “That was fun! Remember, it’s easy to make half your plate fruits and
vegetables when there are so many delicious seasonal fruits and vegetables.”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Have a competition to see who can remember the most seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Hold a spelling bee for kids to spell the seasonal fruits and vegetables.

Hot Tomato Rhyme
One tomato, two tomato, three tomato, four.
Five tomato, six tomato, seven tomato, more!
Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, write seasonal fruits and
veggies on large-sized paper in advance.

For smaller groups, toss the
water balloon back and forth.

If you have less time, use sponges
instead of water balloons.

For older kids, play a round where they
pass the sponge while spelling a fruit
or vegetable one letter at a time.

For bigger groups, use two
“tomatoes” at a time.

If you have more time, ask each kid
to list as many seasonal fruits and
vegetables as possible.

No materials? No time? No problem!

6

Try this quick tip when serving food or when kids are eating. Say, “You can enjoy the taste of fruits and vegetables
year round, but many fruits and vegetables are freshly picked in the U.S. during the summer. This means they taste
great and they are easier to get. Who knows some fruits and vegetables that are harvested in the summer?”

HIGH

PREP-O-M

Summer Fruits & Vegetables
Apricots

Eggplant

Lima Beans

Plums

Bell Peppers

Figs

Limes

Radishes

Berries

Garlic

Melon

Spinach

Cherries

Grapes

Nectarines

Squash

Corn

Grapefruit

Okra

Sugar Snap Peas

Cucumbers

Green Beans

Peaches

Tomatoes

Edamame

Jalapenos

Peas

Zucchini

(green soybeans)

MAKE TODAY A TRY-DAY!

Fruit and Veggie Waters

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
LOW

PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

A few slices of fruit, vegetables, or herbs can make plain water more interesting. Don’t worry
about exact measurements — just add sliced fruit to water (about one fruit per 5 cups of
water), and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavor infuse into the
water. Store the water overnight in refrigerated, covered containers if you wish. It’s easy!

CHOOSE WATER
INSTEAD OF SUGARHIGH
SWEETENED DRINKS

PREP-O-METER

VARY YOUR FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

MATERIALS
• Oranges
• Water
• Strawberries or pineapple (optional)
• Cucumbers or mint (optional)
• Ice (optional)
• Small cups
• Large utensil to stir water
• Large pitchers or mixing bowls

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

EAT FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES AT
MEALS & SNACKS

PREPARE THE FRUIT AND VEGGIE WATERS
Follow food safety directions in the Operator Booklet. Slice up any quantity of fruit or
veggies and mix them with water to make the infused waters. Make one flavor or a few.
Chill it for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, and then stir before serving. Pour into
small cups for easy serving.

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

BEFORE TASTING, SAY:

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

“When you’re thirsty, ice cold water is a great choice. Want to try water with a new twist?
Try these refreshing fruit and veggie waters for a change.”

AFTER TASTING, ASK:
“Did you like the fruit water? Which fruit or vegetable would you like to try next time?”

Have you tried the Fruit and Veggie
Waters recipe we shared at our
summer meal site? Kids love it.

!

TWEET IT

7

AND VEGETABLES

BE THE CHEF!

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

SERVINGS:
EAT FRUITS6AND

VEGETABLES
SERVING
SIZE:AT1 cup
MEALS & SNACKS

INGREDIENTS

1 small watermelon, preferably seedless
(Remember to rinse the watermelon
before dicing)

EAT
2 
cupsSMART
spinach, leaves torn into
TO
PLAYpieces
HARD
bite-size

½ cup green onions, thinly sliced
½ cup cilantro OR parsley, chopped
2 EAT
tablespoons
lime juice
SMART,

2 EXERCISE,
teaspoons vegetable oil

FUN
1 HAVE
teaspoon
cumin
½ teaspoon salt

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

Watermelon and Spinach Salad
MEDIUM
Watermelon is a favorite summer fruitLOWfor kids everywhere!
PREP-O-METER
PREP-O-METER
Toss it with spinach, herbs, and spices
for a colorful
salad.

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

DIRECTIONS

1. Prepare watermelon by cutting into slices,
removing rind and dicing into 1” cubes.
2. In a large bowl, combine watermelon cubes,
spinach, onions, and cilantro.
3. Drizzle lime juice and vegetable oil over
watermelon. Add in cumin and salt and toss
salad gently to evenly mix in the spices.
4. For best results, chill the salad for 15 minutes
before serving.

OPTIONS
• Instead of green onions, use finely sliced yellow or
red onions.
• Instead of lime juice, use orange juice.
• Add other fruits like berries, pineapple, or grapes to
make an even more colorful salad.
Food Demonstration Samples: Offer ¼ cup portions in small cups.
Provide a fork. Makes 24 samples.

SAFETY STEPS
In every food preparation activity, it’s
important to follow proper safety steps.
Follow the food safety instructions in the
Operator Booklet.
• Wash your hands. Clean surfaces to
be used for food preparation with hot,
soapy water. Cover the food preparation
area with clean butcher paper or a
disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the ingredients. Rinse and
prepare produce for Watermelon and
Spinach Salad using safe foodhandling practices as described in the
Operator Booklet. Place all ingredients
on plates or in bowls, cover, and
refrigerate until ready to use.
• Lead kids in proper hand washing steps,
as found in the Operator Booklet.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Amount per serving: 1 cup; Calories: 86; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g;
Sodium: 206 mg; Potassium: 240 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 11 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g;
Sugars: 8 g; Protein: 1 g; Vitamin A: 1838 IU; Vitamin C: 17 mg; Vitamin D: 0 IU;
Calcium: 30 mg; Iron: 1 mg.

Get children involved in making the recipe!
SHOW them how to:
• Use a melon baller to create watermelon balls, instead of cutting into 1” cubes
• Tear the spinach into bite size pieces
• Tear the cilantro or parsley off the stems and into smaller pieces
• Measure the lime juice, oil, cumin, and salt
• Help stir the salad

Share these fun facts:
* Sweet watermelon with tart lime juice makes a refreshing summertime treat.
* Spinach leaves are packed with Vitamin A and also contain Vitamin C, folate, and the
mineral potassium. These nutrients help us stay healthy.
* Cilantro is an herb that is traditionally used in Latin, Indian, and Thai cooking.
* Cumin is a spice used in Latin, Indian, and Mediterranean dishes.

8

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FNS-XXX. Month 2016.
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

Control Number: 0584-0524 | Expires 06/30/2016 | Appendix N

United States Department of Agriculture

h
t
i
w
’
N
I
V
O

M

Y Su

s
l
a
e
M
r
e
mm

Turn up
the music!
And turn your
meal site into
a celebration!
INSIDE:
6 games and activities
to celebrate healthy
choices this summer

BOOST
ATTENDANCE!
• Posters
• Flyers
• Postcards
• Family Activity Guides,
with lots of tips for a
healthy summer

ITY GUIDE

R ACTIV
OPERATO

AND VEGETABLES

Red Pepper, Green Pepper, Chili Pepper

FUEL UP WITH FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES!

Kids will learn to eat smart while playing this fun,
active group game.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. SAY: “Your body needs fuel to run, play, and be active. Fruits and vegetables can
give your body the fuel you need to be your best. Today we are going to play a fun
game to get your body active. Who knows how to play Red Light, Green Light?
This game is called Red Pepper, Green Pepper, Chili Pepper.”

EAT SMART
• Ages: 6-11
TO PLAY HARD
• Size of Group: 5-30
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors

2. DO: Stand at the finish line. Have kids stand shoulder-to-shoulder at the starting
line and face you.

MATERIALS
BALANCE
YOUR DAY

None FOOD AND PLAY!
WITH

SET UP
None
See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.
this
play
u
o
n
er y
: Aft Get Dow
p
i
T
ers
Fun me, try
Pepp
l
ga
l
e
B
.
With page 7
on

3. PLAY: When you face away from the kids and say “Green Pepper,” the kids run
towards you. When you turn around and say, “Red Pepper,” they must stop. If
anyone is caught still running, they go back to the starting line and start again. If
you say “Chili Pepper” at any point, they have to dance or jump in place. The first
player to reach you wins and becomes the “Pepper Master” for the next game.
4. WRAP-UP: “Even though this was a game, it teaches an important idea. Fuel your
body with fruits and vegetables. Can you think of any other red and green fruits
and vegetables?”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Invite family members to play.
• Play again with different red and green fruits and vegetables, like apples, pears,
and tomatoes.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, practice the directions
once all together before playing the game.

For smaller groups, let each kid
have a turn at being the leader.

If you have less time, call
“Green Pepper” more often.

For older kids, call out red and green
colored vegetables instead of peppers.

For bigger groups, spread out
to a larger space.

If you have more time, follow up with
the bell pepper tasting activity (p. 7).

No materials? No time? No problem!
2

Use this idea to manage how kids move in line! When you want the line to stop, say “Red Pepper.”
When you want the line to go, say “Green Pepper.” When you want everyone to dance, say “Chili Pepper.”

MED

PREP-O-

TO PLAY HARD

Movie Moves Party Game
Instead of watching movies on a rainy day, kids will get
moving with this fun indoor activity.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS
1. SAY: “On a rainy day, sometimes we may watch a movie. But our bodies also need to
get up and move! It’s important to balance our day with food and play. It helps us stay
healthy and feel good. What are some fun ways to exercise on rainy days? Today we’re
going to play a game with moves based on your favorite movies.”
2. DO: Have kids share their favorite movies while you (or a student leader) write the
ideas down on the poster board. As a group, come up with three dance moves based
on movies. For example, for a movie about winter, you could pretend to be shivering
while you move from side to side.
3. PLAY: Divide kids into smaller groups and give them 5-10 minutes to come up with
additional moves. Have each group teach the moves to the rest of the kids. Then, put
on music and have a dance party with all your new dance moves. If you do not have
music, lead kids in a clapping rhythm.
4. WRAP-UP: “Give yourselves a round of applause! You just invented creative new
dance moves and found a way to move more and sit less on a rainy day! How do you
feel after getting some exercise?”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Play again on the next rainy day.

BALANCE YOUR DAY
WITH
FOOD AND PLAY!
MEDIUM
HIGH
PREP-O-METER

PREP-O-METER

PERFECT FOR…
• Ages: 7-11
• Size of Group: 10-30
• Time: 30 minutes
• Setting: Indoors

MATERIALS
• Music (optional but recommended)
• Whiteboard or large poster board
• Marker for writing

SET UP
1. Prepare music and speakers (optional).
2. Ask a few kids with positive leadership
skills to help lead the activity.
See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

• Have kids create moves based on favorite books and games.

!

TWEET IT

• Follow the game with free dance time.

Turn off the screen and turn up
the music! We had a great
Movie Moves Dance Party today
at (location)!

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, suggest movies starring
animals and ask: “What do the animals do
in the movie? Can we move like that?”
For older kids, set expectations before you
begin. No inappropriate moves!

For smaller groups, have each kid
think of a move to teach to others.

If you have less time, skip the small
group step. First think of moves all
together, then have a dance party.
If you have more time, extend
the dance party.

For bigger groups, put kids
in groups of three or four.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Have the group follow dance moves as they wait in line for their meal, or have a small group of
kids perform a dance demonstration while meals are being served.

3

TO PLAY HARD

Collaborative Poetry Slam

BALANCE YOUR DAY
WITH FOOD AND PLAY!

LOW
Kids will recite a poem about being active in the summer.

PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. SAY: “A poetry slam is a poetry performance where people read poems with lots of
expression. Today we’re going to have our own poetry slam.”

• Ages: All ages
• Size of Group: Any size
• Time: 15-60 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

2. DO: Distribute poems and have kids stand in a big circle. Kids count off from 1-28. If
you have less than 28 kids, keep counting until 28 and some will get two numbers. If
you have more than 28 kids, start over after 28 and two kids will share one number.
Explain that each number corresponds with a line of the poem. Let them practice
reading the whole poem and then their own lines with expression.

MATERIALS
Copies of the It’s Time for Summer
poem on page 5 (one per kid)

SET UP

3. PERFORM: Line kids up in numerical order. Then, make a circle and recite the poem a
few times to rehearse. For the performance, have each kid step into the circle and act
out his or her line while reciting it.

Copy poem or write it on the board
or poster paper.

4. WRAP-UP: “Give yourselves a round of applause! What was the big idea of this poem?
That’s right! This summer, eat smart, exercise, and have fun!”

See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Turn the poem into a dance by having each kid make a dance move for their line and
using a clapping pattern to create rhythm.
• Make additional copies of the poem and send home for families to read together.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, partner
with older kids.

For smaller groups (or shy kids), let them read the
poem with a friend and take turns with each line.

If you have less time,
skip rehearsal.

For older kids, let them add a
movement to go with their line.

For bigger groups, divide them into two smaller groups
and take turn performing and being the audience.

If you have more time, have
kids write their own verses.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Distribute the poem for families to read together at home.
4

HIGH

PREP-O-M

WBVU

It’s Time for Summer

My friend said, “Hey!
Don’t be a bummer.
Get off the couch.
It’s time for summer!”

13. Let’s

Let’s jump around.
Let’s do a dance.
Let’s wear our shorts
Instead of pants!

17. Let’s

Let’s get some veggies
10. And learn to cook.
11. Let’s climb a tree
12. And take a look.

21. Let’s

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

UVBX

ride our bikes
14. And skateboard, too.
15. Let’s talk to monkeys
16. At the zoo.
jump some rope
18. And count to thirty.
19. Let’s plant a garden
20. And get all dirty.
make fruit salad
22. And make a mess.
23. Let’s move much more
24. Let’s sit much less.
25. Summer’s

too short
26. To sit all day
27. So get off your couch
28. And let’s go play!

5

TO PLAY HARD

Screen-Free Limbo Challenge

BALANCE YOUR DAY
WITH FOOD AND PLAY!

Kids will come up with screen-free ways to spend time
at home — while playing this classic and simple party game.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…
• Ages: All ages
• Size of Group: 4+
• Time: 5-20 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

MATERIALS
• Limbo stick (e.g., broom, yardstick)
• Music (Optional but recommended)

SET UP
1. Prepare music and speakers (optional).
2. Ask two older kids to volunteer
as Limbo stick holders.
See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

1. SAY: “During the summer, lots of kids spend time in front of screens: TVs,
computers, video games, and smartphones. But if you want to have energy and
be your best, you need to eat smart and play hard. Did you know that kids need at
least 60 minutes of physical activity each day? Today we are going to play a really
fun party game that originally comes from the country of Trinidad: Limbo! This
version has a little twist. Before we start, I want everyone to think of a way that you
can spend time at home without looking at a screen. When you have an idea, get in
line for Limbo.”
2. DO: Have kids stand in line. Volunteers hold up Limbo sticks parallel to the ground.
Put on music (optional). If possible, play twice or more so that everyone will get a
chance to play (otherwise the kids holding up the stick don’t get to Limbo). Or, have
kids take turns holding the Limbo stick.
3. PLAY: Kids take turns going under the Limbo stick, and they announce an idea
for how to be more active before going under the stick. If using music, pause it
when someone is talking. Kids can go under the Limbo stick any way they want
(crouching, ducking, on all fours). If a kid falls, another one may borrow their idea.
After everyone has gone through, lower the Limbo stick by an inch or two. Repeat.
The winner is the last kid who can go under the stick and name a physical activity.
4. WRAP-UP: “You all just gave me so many ideas of things to do instead of looking
at a screen. When you go home, which one will you try? Remember to eat smart
and play hard to stay healthy and strong.”

!

TWEET IT

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
How low can you go? At summer
meals, kids did the Limbo and
learned ways to move more and
sit less!

The following day, invite kids who followed through with their ideas to share with the
group. Have everyone play Limbo again. Write down the ideas as kids say them and
share them on social media! (Remember not to use kids’ names.)

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, have them share
ideas for screen-free activities, then
choose their favorite when they play.
For older kids, challenge them to think
of an original idea every time.

For smaller groups, use tables and
chairs to hold up the limbo stick.

If you have less time, drop
the stick even lower each time.

For bigger groups, put kids
in groups of three or four.

If you have more time, have the kids
share their favorite ideas at the end.

No materials? No time? No problem!
6

Say: “Do you know how to Limbo? Limbo is a great way to move more and sit less.
Can you think of other ways that you can move more and sit less at home?”

ME

PREP-O

AND VEGETABLES
MAKE TODAY A TRY-DAY!

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
LOW

PREP-O-METER
Get Down with Bell Peppers

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

Let kids explore the tangy taste and crunchy texture of three colors of bell pepper.
Start by teaching kids a few interesting facts about the nutritional value of bell peppers,
and then let them taste and discuss the differences in flavor.

INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS

EAT FRUITS AND
HIGH
VEGETABLES AT
PREP-O-METER
MEALS & SNACKS

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

• Red, yellow, and green bell peppers
• Small plates

PREPARE THE PEPPERS
Follow food safety directions in the Operator Booklet. Rinse and slice up the peppers into
strips. Place one of each color on the small plates.

BEFORE TASTING, SAY:

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

“Have you ever tried bell peppers?” Here are five delicious facts:
• Bell peppers have a fun shape, shiny skin, and come in many bright colors.
• They are part of the same family as tomatoes, eggplant, and chili peppers (but they’re
not spicy like chili peppers).

!

TWEET IT

• Bell peppers are high in Vitamin C, which helps your body heal cuts and scratches.
• You can find them all year long but they grow best in summer and early fall.
• Try bell peppers for a snack or to add crunch to a salad or sandwich.

AFTER TASTING, ASK:
“What did each color taste like?”

We made today a Try-Day.
Bell peppers are delicious and
nutritious! Try them at home!

“Have you eaten bell peppers before today?”
“What kinds of dishes use bell peppers?” (Salads, sandwiches, burritos and fajitas,
Chinese stir-fry, African stews, and many more!)

7

AND VEGETABLES

BE THE CHEF!

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

SERVINGS:
EAT FRUITS6 AND
VEGETABLES
SERVING
SIZE:AT1/2 muffin
MEALS & SNACKS

INGREDIENTS

3 whole grain English muffins
6 tablespoons peanut butter or
sunflower
seed butter
EAT
SMART

1 
cupPLAY
fresh orHARD
frozen (and thawed)
TO
strawberries, sliced
½ cup fresh or frozen
(and thawed) blueberries

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
SAFETY
STEPS
HAVE
FUN
In every food preparation activity, it’s
important to follow proper safety steps.
Follow the food safety instructions in
the Operator Booklet.
• Wash your hands. Clean surfaces
to be used for food preparation with
hot, soapy water. Cover the food
preparation area with clean butcher
paper or a disposable tablecloth for
easy cleanup.
• Prepare the ingredients. Rinse
and prepare produce for the
Berry Jams Party Bites using
safe food-handling practices as
described in the Operator Booklet.
Place all ingredients on plates or
in bowls, cover, and refrigerate
until ready to use.
• Lead kids in proper hand washing
steps, as found in the Operator
Booklet.

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

Berry Jams Party Bites
LOW whole grains
MEDIUM
This healthy treat combines fruit, nuts, and
to
PREP-O-METER
PREP-O-METER
make sure you have lots of energy to dance and play all day.

DIRECTIONS
1. Using a fork, gently split English muffin in half.
2. Spread 1 tablespoon of peanut butter on each
English muffin half.
3. Layer strawberries and blueberries on top of
each English muffin half, covering peanut butter.
4. Serve immediately or chill until served.

OPTIONS
• Instead of strawberries and blueberries, use
pineapple (canned in 100% juice is OK) for a
tropical twist.
• Instead of strawberries and blueberries, use bananas for a delicious twist.
• Allergic to nuts? Use sunflower seed butter in place of peanut butter.
• Food Demonstration Samples: Divide each muffin half into fourths.
Makes 24 servings.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Amount per serving: 1/2 muffin; Calories: 177; Total Fat: 9 g; Saturated Fat: 2 g;
Sodium: 195 mg; Potassium: 225 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 20 g; Dietary Fiber: 4 g;
Sugars: 7 g; Protein: 7 g; Vitamin A: 10 IU; Vitamin C: 17 mg; Vitamin D: 0 IU;
Calcium: 100 mg; Iron: 1 mg.

Get children involved in making the recipe!
SHOW them how to:
• Slice the strawberries, using a plastic (food service disposable) knife
• Use a fork to gently split English muffin halves
• Measure the peanut butter
• Spread the peanut butter on each muffin half
• Add the berries to muffins

Share These Fun Facts:
* Cups, tablespoons, and teaspoons are divided into fractions.
Show children ½ cup and 1 cup to illustrate the fractions.
* Nut and seed butters are an excellent source of protein.
8

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FNS-XXX. Month 2016.
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

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Control Number: 0584-0524 | Expires 06/30/2016 | Appendix N

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Make Friends!
A week’s worth
of friendly meals
and activities

BOOST ATTENDANCE!
• Posters
• Flyers
• Postcards
• Family Activity Guides, with lots
of tips for a healthy summer

INSIDE:
6 games and activities
to celebrate healthy
choices this summer

AND VEGETABLES

Ultimate MyPlate

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

LOW
Kids will work together as a team to fill their plates with
PREP-O-METER
fruits and vegetables in this creative twist on Ultimate Frisbee.

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. DO: Divide kids into two teams of equal size. Set up the field with two goals, like
setting up for a soccer game. Have kids sit while you explain the rules.

• Ages:
10+
FUEL UP
WITH FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES!
• Size
of Group: 10-30
• Time: 30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors

MATERIALS
EAT SMART
• 1 frisbee
TO PLAY HARD
• 1 MyPlate poster, that can be requested
at http://teamnutrition.usda.gov
• Posterboard for scoreboard
BALANCE YOUR DAY
• 1 marker or pen
WITH FOOD AND PLAY!
• 4 cones or a way to make goal posts

2. SAY: “Did you know that eating smart helps you play hard? The MyPlate icon reminds
us to make half of our plates fruits and vegetables. Most people need to choose fruits
and vegetables more often at meals and snacks. Fruits and vegetables are important
because they have vitamins, minerals, and fiber that help us stay healthy and be
our best. (Show MyPlate poster.) Today we are going to play a game called Ultimate
MyPlate. This game is like soccer but uses a frisbee instead of a ball to score goals,
and you throw instead of kick. Look at the scoreboard. These are your ‘score-plates.’
If you score a goal, you will get a point and add a fruit or veggie drawing to your plate.
The team who has the most points at the end of the game wins.”
3. PLAY: Let kids warm up by tossing the frisbee to each
other in a circle. Teach the basic rules. When a team scores,
make a tally mark under the circle and draw a fruit or
vegetable inside the circle. That way, kids can keep track of
the points and see their plates fill up as they score!

SET UP

4. WRAP-UP: “You guys really worked together and played
hard today. Remember that you can eat smart to play hard
every day by making half your plate fruits and vegetables.”

1. Find large playing area.
2. Set up goal posts, as for soccer.
3. On scoreboard, draw 2 large
MyPlate shapes, one for each team.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:

See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

Write the names of seasonal fruits and vegetables on the papers.

!
TWEET IT
Kids had a blast playing Ultimate
MyPlate at summer meals today.
All you need are some friends and
a frisbee. Try it!

Ultimate MyPlate Rules
• No running or walking with the frisbee;
only turn and pass.
• If the frisbee falls on the ground or gets
intercepted, it goes to the other team.
• You score a point when you throw the
frisbee through the other team’s goal.
• You may not touch another player.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, substitute
frisbee with soccer ball.

For smaller groups, make the field
smaller by bringing the goals closer.

If you have less time, let kids practice throwing the
frisbee on one day, and play the game on a different day.

For older kids, assign a
responsible kid as referee.

For bigger groups,
play two games at once.

If you have more time,
let kids play again.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Distribute Family Activity Guides, and encourage kids to make half their plates fruits and vegetables.
2

HIGH

PREP-O-

AND VEGETABLES!

Circle of Friends Cheer
Circle up and start clapping! This call-and-response cheer is a
great way for kids to share favorite ways to be active and
to show off their best moves. Great for rainy days indoors.

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD
MEDIUM
HIGH

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PREP-O-METER

PREP-O-METER

PERFECT FOR…

1. DO: Have kids stand in a circle. Give everyone name tags. (Optional: Start with a small BALANCE YOUR DAY
• Ages: 7-14
group of volunteers and invite others to join once the excitement builds.)
WITH FOOD AND PLAY!
• Size of Group: 10-30
2. SAY: “I know that you all love to be active. It makes you feel good and have more
• Time: 15 minutes
energy, right? Today I want to show you a really fun game that shows off your sport and
dance moves. This game will give you lots of ideas of how to eat smart and play hard.
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors
First, we have to think of some popular dances and sporty movements. What are some
dances you know? What are some sports or games you know? Now, let’s think of some
MATERIALS
fruits and vegetables you like to eat.”
• Name tags
3. PLAY: Stand in the middle of the circle. Start to clap and have kids repeat the last word
of each line of the Eat Smart, Play Hard Cheer (below) after you. When you name a sport SET UP
or dance, do an action to imitate it. On the last line, point to a new kid when you say
1. Practice the cheer by yourself.
their name. The chosen kid comes to the center of the circle instead of you. Continue
2. Ask a few kids to help lead the cheer.
playing for 10 minutes.
3. Optional: Write the cheer on a
4. WRAP-UP: “I’m impressed! You all know so many ways to eat smart and play hard.
whiteboard or large-sized paper.
Remember: we need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day for good health.”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Play again the next day to let other kids get a chance to lead.

See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

• Invite parents to join.

Eat Smart, Play Hard Cheer
My name is _______________________.
I live in_______________________.
I like to eat smart
so I can play hard.  
First I eat _______________________,
then I _______________________,
then I _______________________,
then I choose a friend named ___________. Yeah!

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My name is Tanya. (Tanya!)
I live in Brooklyn. (Brooklyn!)
I like to eat smart (Eat smart!)
So I can play hard. (Play hard!)
First I eat apples, (Apples!)
then I jump rope, (jump rope!)
then I “Moonwalk,” (Moonwalk!)
then I choose a friend named Carlos.” (Yeah!)

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, give some examples
and make up movements all together
before you start the cheer.
For older kids, set
expectations for dance moves.
No inappropriate dances.

For smaller groups, put kids
into pairs to come up with a
cheer to lead together.
For bigger groups, give everyone
a chance to lead by playing this
game a few times a week.

If you have less time,
skip the brainstorming
and just start playing!
If you have more time, after you finish the
cheer, go around the circle and everyone can
share a favorite dance or movement.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Try this quick tip when serving food or when kids are eating. Say, “Eating smart and playing hard
help us be healthy and strong. What are your favorite ways to eat right, exercise, and have fun?”

3

AND VEGETABLES

That’s What Friends Are For

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

Kids will inspire each other to eat more fruits and
LOW
vegetables with this colorful and creative art project.
PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. DO: Invite kids to join you for an art project. Have kids sit at tables.

• Ages:
7-14WITH FRUITS
FUEL UP

2. ASK: “What makes a healthy meal?” (Encourage conversation about the Five Food
Groups: Fruit Group, Vegetable Group, Protein Foods Group, Dairy Group, and
Grains Group.)

ANDofVEGETABLES!
• Size
Group: 3-30
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Indoors

MATERIALS

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

• 1 paper or posterboard for every 3 kids
• Art supplies (such as crayons, markers,
paint, or colored pencils)

3. SAY: “To make a healthy meal, we should fill half of our plate with fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables help keep us healthy and feeling great. That’s what we want for
ourselves and for our friends! Today you are going to work with your friends to make
inspirational signs that will motivate other kids to eat more fruits and vegetables. For
example, you could write, ‘Fruit makes me feel great!’ and draw a picture of you and
your friends eating fruit.”

SET UP

4. CREATE: Give kids time to work with their friends, develop inspiring slogans, and color
their posters. Use the reproducible messages on page 5 for inspiration.

2. Find out if/where you can display
art work.

5. WRAP-UP: Have kids walk around and look at each other’s posters. Say: “Great job!
Your posters will remind you and inspire other kids to fill half their plates with fruits and
vegetables. Taking care of each other and helping each other be our best… that’s what
friends are for!”

BALANCE
YOUR DAY
1. Gather materials
and put them out
WITH
FOOD
on tables. AND PLAY!

See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Display posters on the walls, or choose one poster to highlight each day.
• Send posters home to remind kids to eat more fruits and vegetables at home.

Friends help each other eat
smart. Check out these healthy
eating slogans, created by kids at
(location). (Post original slogans
from this activity.)

!

TWEET IT

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, have them draw kids eating
fruits and vegetables, instead of writing slogans.

For smaller groups, have each kid
present his or her poster at the end.

If you have less time, let kids
finish at home and bring it back.

For older kids, encourage them to write
reasons to eat fruits and vegetables.

For bigger groups, have
kids work in pairs.

If you have more time,
encourage kids to add more
details to their posters.

No materials? No time? No problem!

4

Try this quick tip when serving food or when kids are eating. Say: “Fruits and vegetables help keep us
healthy and feeling great, but sometimes kids need some extra encouragement to eat more of them.
What would you say if you were encouraging your friend to eat more fruits and vegetables?”

HIGH

PREP-O-M

MIH M

Inspiring Messages

Make half
your plate

FRUITS
and
VEGGIES

MIH M

Fuel up with fruits
and veggies.
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5

TO PLAY HARD

Game Inventors

BALANCE YOUR DAY
WITH FOOD AND PLAY!

Kids will invent an active and creative new game with
their friends by combining games they already know.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. ASK: “Do you and your friends ever get bored in the summer? What do you do when
you’re bored? What are some of your favorite games?” (Encourage lots of ideas, including
video games, computer games, board games, outdoor games, and playground games.)

• Ages: 9-14
• Size of Group: Any size
• Time: 30+ minutes

2. SAY: “Today you will discover fun new active games to play with friends! You will get
to invent a game by combining two games you already know. For example, combine a
relay race with Scrabble and have teams retrieve letters (written on cards, bean bags,
or tennis balls) to spell the names of a fruit or veggie.”

• Setting: Outdoors

MATERIALS

3. PLAY: Make small groups of 2-5 kids or let kids get together with their friends.
Choose one kid in each group to be the “Referee,” meaning that they will solve small
disagreements that come up. Kids will choose two games to combine into a new game.
Each game must involve physical activities, such as running, jumping, dancing, and so
on. Let kids play their games.

• Sports or game equipment
• Paper and markers (optional)

SET UP
Gather any equipment available.

4. WRAP-UP: Have each group present their game.

See below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
Provide paper and markers for kids to make posters explaining the rules of their games,
then hang up the posters.

!

TWEET IT

Say goodbye to boredom! Today at
summer meals, we played “Game
Inventors” and made up new ways
to move more and sit less.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, work as a group to make changes
to one familiar game, such as Tag or Hopscotch.

For smaller groups, invent
a new game together.

If you have less time, skip
the wrap-up presentations.

For older kids, have them
write down the rules.

For bigger groups, include materials
that are not sports equipment, such as
plastic spoons or paper cups.

If you have more time, let
each group teach the game
to another group.

No materials? No time? No problem!

6

Try this quick tip when serving food or when kids are eating. Ask: “Do you and your friends ever get bored in the summer?
What do you do when you’re bored? It’s important to eat smart, exercise, and have fun! Let’s think of some physically active
games you could play instead of watching TV or playing video games. What are some of your favorite games?”

MED

PREP-O-

AND VEGETABLES

MAKE TODAY A TRY-DAY!

Melon Medley

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

LOW

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

PREP-O-METER

Nothing says summer like sweet, refreshing melons. It will be easy to gather a crowd as
children taste and learn about different kinds of melons.

INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS

FUEL UP WITH FRUITS
AND
HIGH VEGETABLES!
PREP-O-METER

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

• Cutting board and knife
• Cantaloupe
• Watermelon

BALANCE YOUR DAY
WITH FOOD AND PLAY!

• Honeydew
• Small plates

PREPARE THE MELONS
Follow the food safety directions in the Operator Booklet. Rinse and scrub the melons with
a clean produce brush before slicing. Cut each melon in half. Remove seeds, if necessary.
Then, slice the melon into wedges with cut-side down. Cut wedges into smaller portions
and place on small plates.

BEFORE THE TASTING, SAY:
“Even though they look and taste different, these three melons are all part of the same
family of plants.
• Melons grow above ground on a vine. They need heat to get sweet, which is why they
ripen in the summer.
• Cantaloupe and watermelon are high in Vitamin A, which helps your eyes and skin
stay healthy. All three melons are high in Vitamin C, which helps keep your teeth
and gums healthy.
• Most watermelon have red flesh but there are orange- and yellow-fleshed varieties,
too. Some have seeds and some are seedless.
• Honeydew has Vitamin C, which can help keep your teeth and gums healthy.”

AFTER TASTING, ASK:
• What did you think of the melons?
• Did you try any of the melons for the first time today?
• Which melon did you like best? Why?

!

TWEET IT
We made today a Try-Day.
Melons are delicious and
nutritious! Try them at home!

7

AND VEGETABLES
BE THE CHEF!

EAT FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES AT
MEALS & SNACKS

SERVINGS: 6

EAT SMART
TO PLAYSIZE:
HARD
SERVING
½ cup

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

Summer Vegetable Salsa
MEDIUM
All your friends will come when you put LOW
this fresh salsa
on the
PREP-O-METER
PREP-O-METER
table. Easy to make and packed with seasonal summer veggies.

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

DIRECTIONS
1. Dice zucchini and Roma tomatoes into small pieces and put into a medium bowl.

INGREDIENTS

2. Carefully split jalapeño,* remove and throw away the seeds and inner membrane. Mince
jalapeño and garlic and add to zucchini and tomatoes. *Wear rubber gloves when handling
jalapeño (optional).

1 medium zucchini

3. Dice onion into small pieces. Add to tomatoes.

1 EXERCISE,
jalapeño (optional)
HAVE
FUN
4 cloves garlic

4. Add cilantro, salt, and lime juice to tomatoes. Stir to combine well.

1 medium white onion

• Grill the vegetables before cutting and adding them to the salsa.

½ cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

• Instead of zucchini, you could use equal amounts of yellow squash
or cucumber in this recipe.

SMART,
3 EAT
Roma
tomatoes

½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup lime juice

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

OPTIONS

• Add watermelon, peaches, pineapple, or other fruit in place of the
zucchini for a fruity summer salsa.
• Serve with cut up vegetables, whole-wheat pita chips, or on top of grilled chicken or fish!

SAFETY STEPS
In every food preparation activity,
it’s important to follow proper
safety steps. Follow the food safety
instructions in the Operator Booklet.
• Wash your hands. Clean surfaces
to be used for food preparation
with hot, soapy water. Cover the
food preparation area with clean
butcher paper or a disposable
tablecloth for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the ingredients. Rinse
and prepare produce for the
Summer Vegetable Salsa
using safe food-handling
practices as described in the
Operator Booklet. Place all
ingredients on plates or in
bowls, cover, and refrigerate
until ready to use.
• Lead kids in proper hand
washing steps, as found in
the Operator Booklet.

8

Food Demonstration Samples: Offer

cup portions in a small cup. Makes 24 servings.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Amount per serving: ½ cup; Calories: 25; Total Fat: 0 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g;
Sodium: 198 mg; Potassium: 212 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 6 g; Dietary Fiber: 1 g;
Sugars: 3 g; Protein: 1 g; Vitamin A: 444 IU; Vitamin C: 18 mg; Vitamin D: 0 IU;
Calcium: 19 mg; Iron: 0 mg.

Get children involved in making the recipe!
SHOW them how to:
• Cut the zucchini or cucumber into very small pieces,
using a plastic (food service disposable) knife
• Measure the lime juice and salt
• Stir the salsa

Share These Fun Facts:
* Jalapeños don’t have to be so spicy! Removing the seeds and
membrane helps to cut down on the spice level.
* Cilantro is an herb that is traditionally used in Latin, Indian, and Thai cooking.
* Lime juice and other citrus flavors like lemon and orange are a great way
to add flavor without adding more salt.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FNS-XXX. Month 2016.
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

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Control Number: 0584-0524 | Expires 06/30/2016 | Appendix N

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ITY GUIDE

R ACTIV
OPERATO

INSIDE:
6 games and
activities
to celebrate
healthy
choices this
summer

BOOST
ATTENDANCE!  
• Posters
• Flyers
• Postcards
• Family Activity
Guides, with lots
of tips for a
healthy summer

D
D
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DIt’s the season
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D
ofDparties
and D
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celebrations
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DAY WITH FOOD
AND PLAY!

Cheer and Leap Game

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

Kids will cheer each other on with this two-part activity
of making up cheers and playing a jumping game.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

EAT SMART,

1. ASK: “Why do you think some sports have cheerleaders?” (Listen to kids’ ideas about
how encouragement helps people feel good and perform better.)

• Ages:
6-13
EXERCISE,

• SizeHAVE
of Group:
Any size
FUN

2. SAY: “Everybody needs encouragement and help to do their best. You all know that
eating healthy foods and drinking healthy drinks can help kids stay healthy and feeling
great. What would you say to a friend to encourage him or her to choose more fruits
and vegetables, or choose water instead of sugar-sweetened drinks?”

• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, large indoor area

MATERIALS

3. WRITE: Write kids’ ideas on masking tape. Remind kids that the cheers don’t have
to rhyme or sound a certain way. The important thing is to be encouraging to others.
Read them out loud to everyone!

• Masking tape or other tape
that you can write on

4. PLAY: Place three pieces of tape on the ground, with about 6 inches of space in
between. Have the kids line up, read the cheers all together, and then jump over
each cheer without touching the masking tape. When every child has gone once,
to increase the challenge, add another cheer a bit further away from the first three
cheers. After each round, add a cheer and increase the space.

• Marker

SET UP
Gather materials
S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

5. WRAP-UP: “This game was a fun way to play, but the really important part is the
cheers. So let’s read these cheers out loud. Remember: eating more fruits and
vegetables and choosing water instead of sugary drinks can help you be your best!”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Let kids illustrate their cheers and display on the walls.
• Encourage kids to use these cheers with their friends and family.

Eat Smart, you can do it! Play hard, get right to it!

Choose water and choose to feel awesome!
Make It Your Own
AGES
For younger kids, come up
with cheers all together.
For older kids, encourage them
to make cheers that rhyme.

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For smaller groups, have each kid present If you have less time, write the cheers on one
his or her cheer to the group.
day and play the game on a different day.
For bigger groups,
have kids work in pairs.

If you have more time, play again.

No materials? No time? No problem!
2

Get silly and cheer kids on yourself! Walk around and give high-fives to kids eating their fruits and veggies.

MEDI

PREP-O-M

FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES!

My Party Plate

LOW

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER at PREP-O-METER
Kids will think about how to eat more fruits and vegetables
barbecues or picnics, and illustrate their ideas. Great for 4th of July,
beginning or end of summer programs, or Labor Day celebrations.

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

HIGH
MAKE
HALF YOUR
PREP-O-METER
PLATE
FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

PERFECT FOR…

1. DO: Invite kids to join you for an art project. Show them the MyPlate Poster
and have them share what they know about the Five Food Groups (Fruit Group,
Vegetable Group, Protein Foods Group, Dairy Group, and Grains Group).

• Ages:
6-14 YOUR
BALANCE

DAY WITH
FOOD
• Size
of Group:
3-30

2. SAY: “Raise your hand if you like to go to celebrations and picnics in the summer.
You can have fun and still make healthy choices at these events. Let’s think, what
kinds of healthy choices might be offered? What kinds of fruits and vegetables
could you eat at a celebration or picnic?” (See list below for ideas.)

AND PLAY!
• Time:
15-30 minutes

3. CREATE: Have kids draw a MyPlate celebration meal with a reminder to make
half of their plate fruits and veggies. Be sure to include low-fat milk or water as a
beverage with your meal instead of a sugary drink, like sweet tea or soda.

• Paper
plates HARD
or MyPlate template
TO PLAY
printouts from http://www.fns.usda.
gov/tn/graphics-library

• Setting: Indoors

MATERIALS
EAT SMART

4. WRAP-UP: Set up finished plates along the tables and have kids walk around and
observe. Say: “Even though some celebrations may have lots of protein foods,
grains, and sweets choices, be sure to make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
Did you know that many fruits and veggies can taste great when cooked on a
grill? Ask your parents to try it sometime. Take your plates home to show your
family your ideas for a healthy and delicious celebration meal!”

• MyPlate poster
• Coloring
(such as crayons,
EATsupplies
SMART,
markers, or colored pencils)

EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN
SET UP

1. Put materials out on tables.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:

2. Color an example plate or print
MyPlate template.

• Display plates on the walls.
• After the 4th of July, ask kids to tell you about the fruits and vegetables they ate at
their celebrations or picnics.

S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

Ideas for Fruits and Veggies That You Can Find at a Celebration or Picnic
Watermelon

Corn on the cob

Strawberries

Coleslaw with a light dressing

Orange slices

Carrots and celery with low-fat dip

Fruit salad

Baked beans

Garden salad

Grilled zucchini kabobs

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, help them understand what
half a plate means by folding their plate in half
and making a line down the middle.
For older kids, finish with a vote on the most
delicious and nutritious plate.

For smaller groups, have
each kid present his or
her plate at the end.
For bigger groups, have
kids work in pairs.

If you have less time, let kids finish
at home and bring it back.
If you have more time, choose a few excellent
plates and have kids tell about what they drew.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Ask: “Have you gone to a celebration or picnic before? What fruits and veggies can you eat at a celebration or picnic?”

3

Play Hard Activity Cube

BALANCE YOUR
DAY WITH FOOD
AND PLAY!

Kids will beat summer boredom with this fun activityLOWcube
PREP-O-METER
that can be shared with their families!

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT
FOR…
EAT SMART
• Ages:
6-12
TO PLAY

MEDIUM

1. ASK: “What are your favorite ways to get exercise and have fun?”

HARD

2. SAY: “It’s important for kids to do moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least
60 minutes every day! Physical activity simply means moving your body enough to
use energy, but there are different levels of activity. During moderate activity, you can
talk, but you can’t sing. During vigorous activity, you can only say a few words without
stopping to catch your breath. Balancing your day with food and play helps you stay
healthy and strong. There are lots of fun ways to be active and we are going to try a
few out. You can even do these inside — when it’s raining — or when it’s too hot to
play outside.”

• Size of Group: Any size
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

EAT SMART,

MATERIALS
EXERCISE,

• Activity
cube FUN
copied on cardstock,
HAVE
tape, scissors to assemble cube

3. PLAY: Ask one kid to roll the Activity Cube, then read the activity out loud to the kids.
The game continues until each side has been called, but everyone must do each
activity when it is called.

• Copies of Activity Cube to distribute

SET UP

4. WRAP-UP: Distribute templates of Activity Cubes for kids to take home. Say, “Try
using this Activity Cube at home as something to do with your family or friends!
Remember, balance your day with food and play!”

1. Assemble one cube on cardstock.
2. Copy template for kids to take home.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:

S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

• Have kids make their own cubes at the site! You will need additional templates,
scissors, and tape.

! • Have kids create their own Activity Cubes by writing on the blank side of the template.

TWEET IT
Celebrate Independence Day with
10 Firework Jumps! Kids jumped
and played with Activity Cubes
today at summer meals.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

For younger kids, read the
activities out loud to them.

For smaller groups, have kids
take turns being the leader.

For older kids, tell them to modify the activities once For bigger groups, make a big
they’ve done them. For example, they can add a spin circle with the Activity Cube and
to the Firecracker Jumps or think of a new activity.
activity leader in the center.

TIME AVAILABLE
If you have less time, roll the cube
a few times to show what it does,
then distribute template.
If you have more time,
encourage kids to invent new
exercises for the cube.

No materials? No time? No problem!
4

Distribute Activity Cube templates for kids to play at home.

HIGH

PREP-O-M

FVF

Activity Cube Template FVF
Do 10 Firecracker Jumps!
Jump with your arms and
legs exploding out.

✁

CUT
FOLD

Do an Alligator Plank!
Start at the top of a pushup, lower down, and crawl
on your stomach like an
alligator for three seconds.
Repeat three times.

ASSEMBLY
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Cut out the templates
along the dotted lines.
2. Fold along the solid lines.
3. Assemble into a cube by
gluing the sides together
along the tabs.

Do a Lunge Splat Walk!
Walk across the
room while
doing lunges.
Every time you
lunge down,
say “Splat”!

Walk like a crab across
the room 3 times.
Squat down low and
move sideways.

Do 5 Silent Ninja Kicks.
Stand very still and
count to three with
your eyes
closed.
Then, do a
fast karate kick.

Run in place while
you count to 100.
Raise both hands
when you get to
a number that is
a multiple of five
(such as 5, 10,
15, 20...).

ASSEMBLED CUBE

5

SWETENED DRINKS

MAKE TODAY A TRY-DAY!

VARY YOUR
FRUITS AND
VEGETABLES!

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

Herb Tasting Party
LOW
Celebrate the benefits of herbs by tasting different varieties.
PREP-O-METER
Follow up with Herb Gardening on page 7.

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

MATERIALS

MAKE HALF YOUR
PLATE FRUITS
AND VEGETABLES

• One bunch each: parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano, chives, mint, or other fresh herbs
• Paper towels
• Scissor (optional)

PREPARE THE HERBS
Follow food safety and hand washing directions in the Operator Booklet. Rinse herbs
carefully and lay them out on paper towels. Cut or tear the herbs into sprigs. When
serving, have kids open their palms and put a few types of herbs into their hands.

BALANCEPARSLEY
YOUR
DAY WITH FOOD
AND PLAY!

BEFORE TASTING, SAY:
Have kids close their eyes and put their hands behind their backs. Let them smell each
herb and ask if anyone can identify the herb.

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

“When you smelled those herbs, did they remind you of any other foods? Herbs are used
to add delicious and unique flavors to many different foods. We use them in both fresh
and dried forms. We usually don’t eat herbs by themselves, but today you’ll get to try it!
Add flavor to your veggies with herbs instead of salt or butter.”

CILANTRO

AFTER TASTING, ASK:

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

• What did you think of the different herbs?
• Have you tried any of them before? In what dishes?
• Did you know that you can grow herbs in a pot on a sunny windowsill or balcony?

CHIVES
BASIL

!

TWEET IT

We tasted different herbs today
at summer meals. Make today a
Try-Day and try cooking with a new
herb or spice at home.

6

OREGANO

MINT

HIGH

PREP-O-

TO PLAY HARD

Herb Gardening
This seed-planting activity is the perfect
LOW
follow-up to the Herb Tasting Party.

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

PREP-O-METER

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS
1. ASK: “What did you discover about herbs in the Herb Tasting?” Leave out this question
if you did not do the tasting.
2. SAY: “Did you know you can grow herbs inside your home? All you need is a sunny
window, water, and patience. Today we are going to plant basil seeds in cups. You can
take them home, take care of them, and watch them grow.”
3. INTRODUCE BASIL: Show kids a full-grown basil plant. “Basil is used to flavor many
veggie dishes and sauces, such as tomato sauce or pesto. You can chop it up and
add it to peaches and berries for a yummy fruit salad.” If you did not do the Herb
Tasting Party, let kids taste the basil now.
4. DO:

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN
PERFECT FOR…
• Ages: All ages
• Size of Group: 3-30
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors

MATERIALS
• Paper cups, unwaxed
• Small paper plates
• Basil seeds and plant

• Distribute a cup to each kid.
• Demonstrate how to write your name on the side in permanent marker and poke a
few holes in the bottom. Let kids write names and poke holes.

• Permanent markers to label cups
• Soil

• Explain that the holes will keep the plant from getting over watered, but now the cups
have to stay on a plate so they don’t drip. Distribute plates.

• Water

• Have kids fill cups with soil up to ½ inch from rim. Water the mixture until it feels
evenly moist.

• Family Activity Guides to distribute after

• Place 2 seeds in each cup. Cover with more soil. Have kids pat it down.
5. WRAP-UP: “Today you planted basil seeds to take home and grow into a full plant. This
growing plant is your responsibility! It is up to you to water it when the soil is almost dry,
make sure it gets lots of sun, and be patient. When the basil plant has grown, you’ll be
able to use the leaves to add flavor to recipes. Be sure to rinse the leaves under cool
running water before cooking with them.” Over the next few weeks, check in with kids
and ask them how their seeds are growing.
6. HAND OUT: Make sure parents receive the Family Activity Guide when picking up their child.

• Pen or thumbtack (to poke holes in cups)
• Broom (optional)

SET UP
1. Read planting directions on seed packet.
2. Set out materials.
3. Prepare the area (it will get dirty).
S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Decorate cups or make a plant marker by placing a popsicle stick in the soil and writing
the name of the herb on the stick.
• Have kids plant additional herbs for their indoor herb gardens. If you have outdoor space,
plant some herbs in outdoor pots, as well. Add herbs to meals whenever possible!

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, demonstrate each
step before letting the kids do it.

For smaller groups, let them
plant a cup for siblings or friends.

If you have less time,
skip Step 1.

For older kids, let them help
the younger kids with planting.

For bigger groups, have
siblings share a cup.

If you have more time,
decorate the cups.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Tell kids about an herb in the food you are serving. For example, say, “Our Parade Bean Salad is made
with the herb oregano. Oregano is used to make lots of foods taste good, like tomato sauce.”

7

DAY WITH FOOD
AND PLAY!
BE THE CHEF!

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

SERVINGS:
6
EAT SMART,

Parade Day Bean Salad
LOW
MEDIUM
This delicious salad is packed with protein
to give kids
the
PREP-O-METER
PREP-O-METER
energy to play hard all summer. March
right up and
enjoy!

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

DIRECTIONS

EXERCISE,
SERVING
SIZE: cup
HAVE FUN

1. In a large bowl, combine the kidney beans, garbanzo
beans, cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, celery,
mozzarella cheese, and red onion.

1 15-ounce can no salt added
red kidney beans, drained and rinsed

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the red wine
vinegar, vegetable oil, dried oregano, salt,
and pepper.

1 15-ounce can no salt added
garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed

3. Pour the dressing over the beans and vegetables
and mix to thoroughly combine.

/ 3 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

4. This salad can be prepared up to one day in advance.

/ 3 cup bell peppers, diced

OPTIONS

1

/ 3 cup celery, diced

• This recipe works with other beans, too. Try white beans, pinto beans, or black beans.

½ cup part-skim or low-fat mozzarella
cheese, shredded

• Instead of dried oregano, try using ½ teaspoon dried basil or 1½ teaspoons fresh thyme.

2 tablespoons red onion, minced

Food Demonstration Samples: Offer ¼ cup bean salad in small cups. Provide a fork.
Makes 24 samples.

INGREDIENTS

1
1

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
½ teaspoon dried oregano
¼ teaspoon salt

/ 8 teaspoon pepper

1

SAFETY STEPS
In every food preparation activity, it’s
important to follow proper safety steps.
Follow the food safety instructions in the
Operator Booklet.
• Wash your hands. Clean surfaces to
be used for food preparation with hot,
soapy water. Cover the food preparation
area with clean butcher paper or a
disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the ingredients. Rinse and
prepare produce for Parade Day
Bean Salad using safe food-handling
practices as described in the Operator
Booklet. Place all ingredients on plates
or in bowls, cover, and refrigerate until
ready to use.

8

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

• Lead kids in proper hand washing
steps, as found in
the Operator
Booklet.

• White wine, apple cider, or balsamic vinegar can be substituted for red wine vinegar.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

Amount per serving: cup; Calories: 183; Total Fat: 5 g; Saturated Fat: 1 g;
Sodium: 199 mg; Potassium: 324 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 24 g; Dietary Fiber: 7 g;
Sugars: 1 g; Protein: 10 g; Vitamin A: 173 IU; Vitamin C: 21 mg; Vitamin D: 1 IU;
Calcium: 130 mg; Iron: 2 mg.

Get children involved in making the recipe!
SHOW them how to:
• Cut the bell peppers or celery into very small pieces, using a plastic
(food service disposable) knife.
• Measure the vinegar and oil; measure the oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Stir the salad until well mixed.

Share these fun facts:
* Beans are high in protein.
* Sweet peppers come in many cool colors — green, red, orange, yellow, and purple.
* Cherry tomatoes can be small like a marble, large like a ping-pong ball, or
anywhere in between.
* Garbanzo beans are also called chickpeas.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FNS-XXX. Month 2016.
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

B

C
C

D
D

E
E

F

B

C

D
D

E
E

F

C
B
B
F
F
E
E
United
States
Department
of
Agriculture
D
D
C
C
B
B
F
F
E
E
D
D
C
C
B
B
F
F
E
E
D
SAYS:
D
THERC
N
A
C
P
R
E
B
POW B
F
F
E
E
D
D
C
C
B
B
F
F
E
D
D
C
C
B
B
F
E
D
D
C
C
B
F
E
E
D
D
E
C
D
I
ITY GU
F OPERATB
OR ACTIV
E
E
D
C
B
F
F
E
D
C
INSIDE:
B
F
E
6 games & activities
D
C
to celebrate healthy
F
E
D
choices this summer
B
F
E
BOOST
B
F
ATTENDANCE!  
C
B
• Posters
C
• Flyers
D
• Postcards
Control Number: 0584-0524 | Expires 06/30/2016 | Appendix N

t
r
a
m
S
t
Ea

d
r
a
H
y
a
l
P
to

• Family Activity
Guides, with lots
of tips for a
healthy summer

Get Kids Moving
and Feeling Good!

AND PLAY!

Power Up and Give Me 60!

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

Let’s get moving! Kids will get active and have fun
by doing 60 repetitions of silly exercises.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

EAT SMART,
• Ages:
7-12

1. SAY: “Do you know how many minutes of physical activity kids need every day?
(At least 60 minutes.) Being physically active and eating smart helps keep our
bodies healthy and strong. Today we are going to play a funny, active game called
‘Power Up and Give Me 60.’ Instead of being active for 60 minutes, we are going
to do 60 of each move I call out.”

EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

• Size of Group: Any size
• Time: 15-30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

2. SAY: “When I say a funny move, you will all stand up and do the move 60 times,
while we count out loud as a team. If you feel like you can’t do any more, sit down
and cheer for the others. The last kids standing at 60 will get a round of applause,
and we’ll go on to the next move.”

MATERIALS
None

SET UP

3. PLAY: Call out any of the following moves:

None

• Hop like a bunny

S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

• Prowl like a panther
• March like a zombie
• Dribble then shoot an invisible basketball

Kids need at least
60 minutes of physical
activity every day!

• Touch your head, shoulders, knees, and toes
• Make up your own move!
4. WRAP-UP: “Which was your favorite move? Notice how your body feels warmed up
and ready to go. You can tell your body is being active enough because your heart is
beating faster than usual and you may be breathing heavier than usual. You are also
being active enough if you exercise for 60 minutes. Remember to eat smart to play
hard every day.”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
• Let kids come up with their own moves that involve animals, shapes, sports, hobbies,
people, places, and fictional characters.
• Use this activity as an indoor warm-up on rainy days.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, play altogether
and do six exercises 10 times each.

For smaller groups,
make teams of two.

If you have less time,
play fewer rounds.

For older kids, make smaller groups For bigger groups, use a whistle to get
or have kids play individually.
everyone’s attention between directions.

If you have time, play more rounds, and let a
few kids invent moves and be the leaders.

No materials? No time? No problem!

2

Try this quick tip before serving food. Say: “Eating smart and getting enough physical activity helps
keep your body healthy and strong. Do you know how many minutes of exercise kids need every day?
(At least 60 minutes.) To remember that number, let’s jump 60 times!”

MEDI

PREP-O-M

FIVE FOOD GROUPS

Five Food Groups Relay Race
Learn about the Five Food Groups while having fun
in this high-energy relay race.

LOW

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS
1. DO: Invite kids to join you for a relay race. Have kids make teams of five and sit
together on the starting line.
2. ASK: “What is a relay race?” (Let kids explain.) A relay race is a team activity
in which each person runs a specific distance before passing the baton to the
next person. It can be set up in a circle, like a running track, or in a straight line
between two markers.
3. SAY: “Today’s relay race is going to be a little different. We are going to have
a Five Food Groups Relay Race. Who knows what the Five Food Groups are?
(Fruit Group, Vegetable Group, Protein Foods Group, Dairy Group, and
Grains Group.) The MyPlate icon reminds us that we need to make healthy
choices from all Five Food Groups to get the nutrition we need to grow, learn,
play, and be healthy. Most people don’t choose enough foods from the Fruit
and Vegetable Groups. As you can see on the MyPlate icon, half your plate
should be fruits and vegetables. They also make great snacks. OK, let’s play
and see whose MyPlate team is the fastest. Each team member will represent
one of the food groups on MyPlate.”
4. PLAY: Have kids decide which teammate will be which food group. Have each
team line up behind the starting line, with teams a few feet apart. Distribute
batons. The idea here is that each runner will run to the finish line and back to
pass the baton to the next person. Explain that as they pass the baton, they must
shout their food group. The winning team is the one that finishes the race first.

BALANCE YOUR
DAY WITH FOOD
MEDIUM
AND PLAY!
PREP-O-METER

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

PERFECT FOR…
• Ages:
7-14
EAT SMART

TO PLAY
HARD
• Size
of Group:
10+
• Time: 30 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors

MATERIALS
EAT SMART,

• Paper
plates (or an object to pass
EXERCISE,
as
a
baton,
such as a plastic spoon)
HAVE FUN
• Any equipment to mark starting line
and finishing line
• MyPlate poster

SET UP
1. Find large space that can be used for
a relay race.
2. Mark starting line and finishing line.
S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

5. WRAP-UP: Give each food group a round of applause. Say: “Great job! You’ve
really got the hang of it. Remember, we need to make healthy choices from all
Five Food Groups to eat smart and play hard.”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
Sm
a

Make It Your Own

d.

t
Ea

• Play the Alive with Five Food Groups song, available at:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/multimedia/music/alivewithfive.mp3.

TM

• Encourage kids to match the foods in their summer meal with the food groups.
ar
r t. Play H

AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, make the
distance shorter for the race.

For smaller groups, make smaller teams
but have the kids shout all Five Food Groups
when passing the baton.
For bigger groups, make teams
of seven and have more kids
be fruits and vegetables.

If you have less time, skip the
questions and simply tell kids the
names of the Five Food Groups.
If you have more time, ask kids
to name healthy foods from
each food group.

For older kids, encourage them
to cheer each other on with
their food group names.

No materials? No time? No problem!
Before serving a meal, say: “The MyPlate icon reminds us to eat foods from each of the Five Food Groups.
Who can tell me which food groups we have as part of our meal today?”
3

Drink Smart to Play Hard

CHOOSE WATER
INSTEAD OF SUGARSWEETENED DRINKS

LOW
Kids will guess the amount of added sugars in familiar
PREP-O-METER
drinks, and then play a sweet game.

WITH
FRUITS
• Size
of Group:
6+

1. ASK: “Added sugars are sugars that are put into a drink when it is made. Can you
guess how much added sugar is in these drinks? Use these sugar packets to show
me. Each sugar packet contains about 1 teaspoon of sugar.”

&

VEGETABLES!
• Time:
15-30 minutes

2. DO: After kids guess, show them the answer by counting out the correct amount
for each drink, using the chart on page 5. Put the packets in front of each drink
after counting. For example, with a 12 oz can of cola, have the kids count out eight
sugar packets.

• Setting: Outdoors, Indoors

MATERIALS
FUEL UP WITH

• 80
individual
sugar
FOODS
FROM
ALLpackets containing
1
teaspoon
of
sugar
(4 g) each
FIVE FOOD GROUPS
• Plastic spoons
• Beverage containers of cola (12 oz),
fruit drink (12 oz), lemonade (20 oz.),
sports drinkYOUR
(20 oz), sparkling water
BALANCE
(any
size),
and
water (any size)
DAY WITH FOOD
• 6
slipsPLAY!
of paper and pencil or pen
AND

SET UP
1. Gather materials and count out the
sugar packets.

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

2. Display beverage containers on a table.
3. Write beverage names on slips of
paper and put in hat.
4. Set up starting and finish lines.

EAT
SMART,
S ee
below
“Make It Your Own” for different
ages,
group
sizes, and time available.
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

Pay attention to
the size! Use only 12-oz
or 20-oz cans or bottles
for this activity.

3. SAY: “That’s a lot of added sugar! Eating and drinking too many foods with added
sugars can lead to cavities and make it hard to keep a healthy body. That’s because
all those added sugars are providing empty calories and not other nutrients like
vitamins and minerals. Water is a great drink choice because it does not have any
added sugars and has zero calories. Let’s play a game to remind ourselves to pass on
the added sugars and choose water instead.”
4. PLAY: Make teams and line up behind the starting line. Have the first person in each
team draw a slip of paper and take the correct number of sugar packets. The first
kid in each line must walk or run with a sugar packet in their spoon to the finish line,
drop the packet, and run back to pass the spoon to the next person. If the sugar
packet is dropped before the finish line, the kid must go back to the starting line and
start again with the same packet. The goal is to get all of the sugar packets to the
finish line first.
5. WRAP-UP: “Did you notice that you had to run a lot more for the drinks with lots of
sugar added? That shows that if you drink a sugary-beverage, you have to exercise a
lot more to burn off the added calories. To be healthy, you have to balance your food
and play. Every day you make choices about what to eat and drink. As you can see,
sweet drinks have a lot of added sugar. Remember to choose water instead of soda,
fruit drinks, sweet tea, sports drinks, and lemonade.”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
Teach kids how to read labels to learn about sugar content. Explain that sugar goes by
other names, such as high-fructose corn syrup, fructose, fruit juice concentrate, honey,
syrup, sucrose, and dextrose.

Make It Your Own

AGES

GROUP SIZE

For younger kids, have them count
the packets out loud.
For older kids, have them look at the nutrition labels.
Teach them how many teaspoons of sugar there
are by dividing the grams of sugar by four.

TIME AVAILABLE

For smaller groups, ask kids to
If you have less time, do the two
count out sugar packets.
parts of the activity on different days.
For bigger groups, have
everyone sit in a semi-circle
while you count out the sugars.

If you have more time, encourage
kids to talk about the times they can
make better beverage choices.

No materials? No time? No problem!

4

PREP-O-METER

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…
• Ages:
7-12
POWER-UP

MEDIUM

Try this quick tip while serving meals or when kids are eating. Say: “How much added
sugar do you think is in one can of regular soda? Eight teaspoons! An average ten-year-old
would need to walk for one hour to burn off that much sugar!”

HIGH

PREP-O-M

How Much Added Sugar is in My Drink?
Look at the chart below to see how much added sugar is in some popular drinks.
Beverage

Size

Teaspoons of
added sugar

Calories from
added sugar

Water

Any

0

0

Sparkling Water
(unsweetened)

Any

0

0

Soda

12 ounces

Fruit Flavored Drink

12 ounces

Lemonade

20 ounces

Sports Drink

20 ounces

(8)

126

(16)

192

(12)

285

(8)

125

All information taken from MyPlate SuperTracker at https://www.supertracker.usda.gov.

!

TWEET IT
Wow! A can of soda can have
8 teaspoons of added sugar!
Choose water instead.

Power Panther visited summer
meals today to say: Eat Smart
to Play Hard.

Get into it!

Interested in using the Power Panther
mascot? Visit the Team Nutrition website
for more information:
http://www.fns.usda.gov/eat-smart-playhard%E2%84%A2-power-panther%E2%84%A2

5

FIVE FOOD GROUPS

Power Path

BALANCE YOUR
DAY WITH FOOD
AND PLAY!

LOW

PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

Set up five easy fitness stations and let kids lead each other
on a high-energy Power Path. This is a great activity for large groups.

STEP-BY-STEP DIRECTIONS

PERFECT FOR…

1. SAY: “Today we are going to learn about eating smart to play hard. We are going
to try out some fun ways to get exercise, too.”

EAT SMART
• Ages:
6-12

TO PLAY
• Size
of Group:HARD
20+
• Time: 30-45 minutes
• Setting: Outdoors

EAT SMART,
MATERIALS
EXERCISE,
• Timer

HAVE FUN
• MyPlate
poster
• Whistle (optional)

SET UP
1. Ask five kids to help lead the activity.
2. Explain to leaders what to do at
each station.

2. ASK: “What are the Five Food Groups?” (Encourage conversation about the Five Food
Groups: Fruit Group, Vegetable Group, Protein Foods Group, Dairy Group, and
Grains Group. Show MyPlate.) “You can see all of the food groups on the MyPlate
icon. The healthiest food choices from these food groups are low in empty calories from
added sugars and solid fats. What are some healthy choices from each food group?”
Examples of healthy choices (see more ideas at http://www.choosemyplate.gov):
• Fruit: Peaches, Blueberries, Strawberries
• Vegetables: Spinach, Carrots, Bell Peppers
• Protein Foods: Eggs, Beans, Skinless Chicken Breast, Fish, Peanut Butter
• Grain: Whole-Wheat Bread, Brown Rice, Oatmeal
• Dairy: Low-fat or Fat-free Milk, Yogurt
3. PLAY: Divide kids into five groups and have them rotate through the stations. Blow
your whistle or yell, “Freeze!” to switch stations. Let the leaders explain what to do.
Power Station 1: Veggietastic! Do five jumping jacks, then yell the name of a
vegetable. Repeat until you’ve yelled five different vegetables.

3. Distribute equipment to each
station leader.
S ee below “Make It Your Own” for different
ages, group sizes, and time available.

Power Station 2: Fruit-abulous! Hop on one foot five times, then whisper the name of
a fruit you like. Repeat until you’ve whispered five different fruits.
Power Station 3: Grain-derful! With a partner, make up a handshake that ends with
you both shouting the name of a healthy grain.
Power Station 4: Dairy-mazing! With a partner, make up a “footshake” that ends with
both of you shouting the name of a healthy dairy food.
Power Station 5: Protein-credibe! Do the chicken dance all together, then make up a
similar dance for a different protein, such as peanut butter or fish.

Power-up with
MyPlate!

4. WRAP-UP: “Give each leader a round of applause! Today you got a lot of activity and
learned about the Five Food Groups. Nice work! Remember: Eat smart to play hard.”

OPTIONAL FOLLOW-UP:
Take pictures of the activity and share them on social media to celebrate a job well done.
See Getting Started with Social Media in the Operator Booklet for more information.

Make It Your Own
AGES

GROUP SIZE

TIME AVAILABLE

For younger kids, have them pair
up with older kids.

For smaller groups, do each
station all together.

If you have less time, do one
station at a time.

For older kids, pair them up with younger kids
and encourage them to act as coaches.

For bigger groups, find parent volunteers
or other adults to help.

If you have more time, give
more time at each station.

No materials? No time? No problem!
6

Try this quick tip when serving food or when kids are eating. Say: “Do you know the
Five Food Groups? Great! Can you give me an example of a food from each group?”

HIGH

PREP-O-M

MAKE TODAY A TRY-DAY!

Power Up Your Snack

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES
LOW

PREP-O-METER

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

Fruit is a great energizing snack for kids who want to play hard all summer long. In
this fun tasting, you’ll serve kid-friendly spiced summer fruit combinations.

INGREDIENTS AND MATERIALS
Choose 2-3 combinations:

POWER-UP
WITH
FRUITS &
HIGH
VEGETABLES!
PREP-O-METER
FUEL UP WITH
FOODS FROM ALL
FIVE FOOD GROUPS

• Apples, sliced, with a sprinkle of cinnamon
• Peaches, sliced, with a sprinkle of ginger powder or pumpkin pie spice
• Strawberries, halved, with chopped mint
• Mango, sliced, with chili powder
• 3 clean serving trays

BALANCE YOUR
DAY WITH FOOD
AND PLAY!

• Small plates
• Forks
• Napkins

PREPARE THE FRUIT
Wash your hands and follow food safety directions in the Operator Booklet. Slice the
fruit into single serving bite sizes and place on serving trays. Sprinkle with spices or
herbs. Prepare plates with one of each spiced fruit. Note: Fruits that are dried, frozen,
and canned (in water or 100% juice) may be substituted for fresh. Choose fruits
without added sugars.

BEFORE THE TASTING, SAY:

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
HAVE FUN

“To eat smart and play hard, power up with fruit as snacks. Fruits contain many
nutrients that help your body stay healthy. They provide important vitamins and
minerals and they taste great. We are going to taste some fruits right now. Are you
ready? I’ve added some herbs and spices for even more flavor.”

AFTER TASTING, ASK:
• What are some times that you could eat fruit as a snack?
• What other fruits would taste good with cinnamon?

!

TWEET IT

• Which was your favorite?
• Which kinds of fruits do you eat at home?
We made today a Try-Day. Kids
tasted fruits flavored with herbs
and spices. Yum!

7

DAY WITH FOOD
AND PLAY!
BE THE CHEF!

EAT SMART
TO PLAY HARD
SERVINGS: 6

EAT SMART,
EXERCISE,
SERVING
SIZE: 1 filled pocket
HAVE FUN
INGREDIENTS

2 5 oz cans of low-sodium tuna
packed in water, drained

Garden Fiesta Tuna Pockets
LOW
Fuel up with protein-rich tuna and colorful
PREP-O-METER
vegetables tucked into a pita pocket.

MEDIUM

PREP-O-METER

HIGH

PREP-O-METER

DIRECTIONS
1. In a bowl, combine tuna with beans, corn, bell pepper,
carrot, and onion.
2. Add in lime juice, vegetable oil, salt, and spices and
mix thoroughly to combine.
3. Place 1 cup of the tuna mixture in each pita half.

1 15 oz can no salt added
black beans, drained

4. Serve immediately.

¾ c up corn (fresh, canned,
or frozen and thawed)

• Dice 1 avocado and add to sandwich for a delicious spin.

OPTIONS

1 green bell pepper, diced

• Want a creamier filling? Before stuffing the pockets, add 1 tablespoon
of fat-free sour cream to each pocket.

1 medium carrot, diced

• Instead of black beans, use chickpeas (garbanzo beans) or pinto beans.

1 small red onion, diced

• Instead of pita pockets, use whole-wheat tortillas or romaine lettuce leaves
for a quick and easy wrap!

2 tablespoons lime juice
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
¼ teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons chili powder
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3 6-inch whole-wheat pitas, cut in half

SAFETY STEPS
In every food preparation activity, it’s
important to follow proper safety steps.
Follow the food safety instructions in the
Operator Booklet.
• Wash your hands. Clean surfaces to
be used for food preparation with hot,
soapy water. Cover the food preparation
area with clean butcher paper or a
disposable tablecloth for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the ingredients. Rinse and
prepare produce for the Garden Fiesta
Tuna Pockets using safe food-handling
practices as described in the Operator
Booklet. Place all ingredients on plates
or in bowls, cover, and refrigerate until
ready to use.
• Lead kids in proper hand washing steps,
as found in the Operator Booklet.
8

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

Food Demonstration Samples: Offer ¼ cup of tuna salad portions in small cups. Cut
each pita into eight wedges and serve one wedge tucked alongside the tuna salad in each
portion cup. Makes 24 samples.

NUTRITION INFORMATION
Amount per serving: 1 pocket; Calories: 215; Total Fat: 4 g; Saturated Fat: 0 g;
Sodium: 392 mg; Potassium: 454 mg; Total Carbohydrate: 32 g; Dietary Fiber: 6 g;
Sugars: 3 g; Protein: 17 g; Vitamin A: 2364 IU; Vitamin C: 21 mg; Vitamin D: 0 IU;
Calcium: 40 mg; Iron: 3 mg.

Get children involved in making the recipe!
SHOW them how to:
• Cut each pita in half using a plastic (food service disposable) knife.
• Cut the bell pepper into small cubes using a plastic (food service disposable) knife.
• Measure the lime juice and the oil; measure the salt, garlic powder and chili powder.
• Stir the garden fiesta salad.
• Stuff 1 cup of garden fiesta salad into each pita pocket.

Share these fun facts:
* ASK the children if they know the different colors of onions
(red, white, and yellow). TELL them that today they are using
red onions because they have a sweeter flavor and a fun fiesta color.
* Herbs and spices, like garlic and chili powder, help us create flavorful dishes.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. FNS-XXX. Month 2016.
http://teamnutrition.usda.gov