Attachment R-2 Grade 6 Informational Text Articles

Attachment R-2: Grade 6 Informational Text Articles

United States Department of Agriculture

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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Healthy Eating with MyPlate
How Food Affects You
Do you know how the foods you eat affect your body? The foods and drinks you
choose, even in 6th grade, can have an impact on your current and future health.
Understanding food and nutrition can help you make healthy, delicious choices
from each of the five food groups.

Vocabulary
Words are
in bold and
underlined.

Eating foods from different food groups helps us get all the
nutrients our bodies need to move, grow, and stay healthy.
Our bodies need key nutrients from all of the food groups in order to function well.

FRUITS EXAMPLES

KEY NUTRIENTS
potassium;
dietary fiber;
vitamin C; folate

orange apple
apple pear
pear peach
peach melon
melon berries
berries
orange
orange
apple
pear
peach
melon
orange
apple
pear
peach
melon
berries
orange
apple
pear
peach
melon berries
berries

VEGETABLES EXAMPLES

KEY NUTRIENTS
potassium;
dietary fiber; folate;
vitamin A; vitamin C

beans broccoli
broccoli bellbell
pepper spinach
spinach tomato
tomato sweet
sweet
potato
beans
pepper
potato
beans
pepper
potato
beans
broccoli
bell
pepper
spinach
tomato
sweet
potato
beans broccoli
broccoli bell
bell
pepper spinach
spinach tomato
tomato sweet
sweet
potato

GRAINS EXAMPLES

KEY NUTRIENTS

dietary fiber, magnesium
and selenium (found in whole
grains); B vitamins (riboflavin,
niacin,
thiamin, folic acid); iron
popcorn

brown
whole-wheat
breadwhole-grain
whole-grain
cerealoatmeal
oatmealpopcorn
brown
ricerice
whole-wheat
bread
cereal
brown
rice
bread
cereal
brown
rice
whole-wheat
bread
whole-grain
cereal
oatmeal
popcorn
brown
rice whole-wheat
whole-wheat
bread whole-grain
whole-grain
cereal oatmeal
oatmeal popcorn
popcorn

PROTEIN FOOD EXAMPLES

KEY NUTRIENTS

protein; B vitamins
(riboflavin, niacin, thiamin);
vitamin E; iron;
zinc;
magnesium
beef
& pork chicken
chicken seafood
seafood beans
beans
& peas eggs
eggs nutsnuts
& seeds
beef
& pork
& peas
& seeds

beef
&&&
pork
&
&
beef
pork
chicken
seafood
beans
&peas
peas
eggs
nuts
& seeds
seeds
beef
pork chicken
chicken seafood
seafood beans
beans
&
peas eggs
eggs nuts
nuts
& seeds

DAIRY EXAMPLES

SOY
SO
Y Y MILK
SOYSO
LKY
MI
MI
LKSO
MILK
MILK WITH

KEY NUTRIENTS
calcium; potassium;
vitamin D; protein

CALCIUM!
WIT
WIT
HH H
WIT
CAL
CIUM!
CAL
CIU
CAL
M!M!WIT
CIU
H
CALCIUM!

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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Eating the MyPlate Way
Foods that have the same key nutrients in
common make up a food group. For example,
fruits are sources of nutrients like potassium,
dietary fiber, vitamin C, and folate. Our bodies
need key nutrients from all of the food groups
in order to function well. This is why it is
important to eat nutritious foods from the five
food groups: Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein
Foods, and Dairy.

refined grains, and added sugars — people can
help keep their bodies healthy.
A visual tool called MyPlate illustrates the five
food groups using a familiar image — a place
setting for a meal. MyPlate reminds you that you
can maintain your overall health by eating foods
that are tasty and good for you.

While most people have access to different kinds
of food, many are not eating enough vegetables,
fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.
Eating patterns that are low in nutrients like
calcium, potassium, dietary fiber, and vitamin
D are associated with health problems like high
blood pressure, osteoporosis (brittle bones), and
digestive problems.
By choosing to eat more nutritious foods — with
lots of nutrients (like vitamins, minerals, and
dietary fiber) and less sodium, saturated fats,

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You can make four small changes
with the help of MyPlate, for a healthier eating
style that can help you grow and stay healthy.

Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables
provide nutrients that kids often do not eat enough of, including
vitamin C, dietary fiber, potassium and vitamin A.

Vitamin C is important for growth and repair of all body tissues,
helps heal cuts and wounds, and keeps teeth and gums healthy. Fiber
is important because it helps move food through the digestive system.
Potassium keeps nerves and muscles working and helps the heart pump
blood easily through the body. Vitamin A keeps eyes and skin healthy
and helps to protect against infections.

2

Vary your protein routine. Proteins function as building blocks
for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. Many protein foods
also contain B vitamins and zinc. B vitamins help the body tap into
the energy from food, play an important role in the function of the
nervous system, help form red blood cells, and help build tissues. Zinc is
important for normal growth, strong immunity, wound healing, and the senses
of smell and taste. To vary your protein routine, you can eat many nutritious
protein foods such as beans, eggs, tofu, nuts, seeds, seafood, and lean meat.
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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

3

Move to low-fat or fat-free dairy, including milk, yogurt,
cheese, and calcium-fortified soymilk. Foods from the
dairy group contain important nutrients including calcium,
potassium, vitamin D, and protein. Calcium and vitamin D
are used for building bones and teeth.

4

Make half your grains whole grains. Grains are divided into two
subgroups, whole grains and refined grains. Whole grains contain the
entire grain kernel —the bran, germ, and endosperm. Examples of
whole grains include whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, whole cornmeal,
and brown rice. Refined grains have had their bran and germ removed, which
removes many important nutrients. Some examples of refined grain products
are white flour, white bread, and white rice.
Whole grains are important sources of nutrients like dietary fiber, and
minerals like magnesium, which is used in building bones and releasing
energy from muscles. Look at the graphic below showing the differences
between whole and refined grains.

What is the difference between whole and
refined grains? Whole grains have more
healthy vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber.
Bran: fiber-rich outer
layer containing B
vitamins and trace
minerals like iron
and magnesium
Germ: nutrient-rich
core containing,
antioxidants like
vitamin E, B vitamins
and healthy fats

Identify
whole grains by
looking for “whole” or
“whole grain” as one
of the first ingredients
on the ingredient list
on the Nutrition
Facts label.

Endosperm:
starchy middle
layer containing
carbohydrate
and protein

WHOLE
GRAIN

REFINED
GRAIN

With each MyPlate change, you can take healthy steps by getting more of the nutrients you need.
Everyone has their own way of creating a healthy eating pattern. In the past, humans were only able
to eat what they could grow on the land around them. Now, technology and transportation methods
allow us to construct a healthy eating pattern with foods from all across the country.
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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Where Our Food Comes From
Everyone can find their own way of eating the MyPlate way. In the United States, healthy food
options from each of the five food groups are produced across the country. Different regions are
better at growing different foods because each has its own unique climate. For example, oranges
need warm weather, so they grow well in Florida where it is often warm. Take a look at this
example of a balanced meal. This meal contains foods produced all over the country.

A Balanced Meal from Coast to Coast!
Bean Burrito with: whole wheat tortilla, avocado,
low-fat cheese, and orange slices on the side

MICHIGAN
WISCONSIN

CALIFORNIA

KANSAS

FLORIDA

Avocado
(Vegetable)
• California
produces about
90% of avocados
grown in the U.S.
Its warm climate
is well-suited to
growing avocados
year-round.1
• Avocados are a
source of vitamin
E which is an
antioxidant that
helps protect the
body’s cells from
damage.

Whole-Wheat
Tortilla (Grain)
• Kansas produces
20% of the
wheat grown in
the U.S.2
• A whole wheat
tortilla is a whole
grain.

Low-Fat
Cheese (Dairy)

Black Beans
(Protein Food)

Orange (Fruit)

• Florida produces
• Michigan produces more oranges
than any other
more than half of
• Wisconsin produces
U.S. state.6
the
black
beans
more cheese than
grown in the U.S.5 • Florida’s warm
any other U.S.
state.4
subtropical
• Black beans
climate is ideal
grow
well
in
• The top two kinds
for orange growth.
Michigan's rich
of cheese produced
soil and moderate • Oranges are a
are mozzarella and
temperatures.
cheddar.
great source of

• Kansas is often
called the “Wheat • Cheese contains
• Black beans contain
State” and the
folate, which helps
calcium which helps
“Breadbasket of
the body make red
build strong teeth
the World.”3
blood cells.
and bones.

potassium which
helps nerves
and muscles
communicate.

1. Borris, Hayley, Henrich Brunke, Marcia Kreith, and Cristina Romero. “Avocados.” Agricultural Marketing Resource Center. Iowa State University, May 2016.
2. Kansapedia. Kansas Historical Society, Aug. 2015.
3. “Kansas Wheat History.” United States Department of Agriculture, National Agricultural Statistics Service, Northern Plains Regional Field Office. October 2015.
4. Bussler, Greg, Audra Hubbell, Adrien Joyner, Mike Laird, and Heidi Woodstock. “2014 Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics.” United States Department of Agriculture,
National Agricultural Statistics Service. Sept. 2014.
5. Wells, Hodan Farah. “Vegetables & Pulses: Dry Beans.” United States Department of Agriculture. Economic Research Service, 27 Jan. 2016.
6. “Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics.” Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. 2016.

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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Conclusion
While different regions are known for producing different food products, a variety of foods are
grown in each state and depending on the season, we can often create balanced meals using local
foods. When local foods are not available, we can eat foods produced all over the country and have
lots of options for choosing a healthy eating style that includes the five food groups. What foods
are grown near you? How can you make them part of your healthy eating pattern?

A
VOCABULARY
Added sugars: Sugars and syrups that are added
to foods or beverages when they are processed
or prepared.
Antioxidant: A substance that prevents harmful
chemical reactions in the body.

Sodium: A mineral generally present in the form of
salt (sodium) that your body needs in small amounts
to work properly. However, when consumed in
excessive amounts sodium can raise the risk of high
blood pressure (hypertension).

Minerals: A substance found in certain foods that
is important for good health.

Saturated Fats: Fats that are usually solid at room
temperature. They are most often found in animal
products such as beef, pork, and chicken, and are
associated with health problems when consumed
in excessive amounts.

Nutrients: A naturally occurring substance found in
certain foods that are important for good health.

Vitamin: A substance that is usually found
in foods and that helps your body to be healthy.

Refined Grains: Grains that have been milled,
which removes the bran, germ, and important
nutrients. Examples include white flour, white
bread, and white rice.

Whole Grains: Grains that contain the entire grain
kernel — the bran, germ, and endosperm — and
therefore typically contain more nutrients than
refined grains.

Climate: The average weather in a place over a
long period of time.

Region: A part of a country that is different or
separate from other parts in terms of climate,
geography, or some other definable way.

Food and Nutrition Service • FNS-XXX • Month 2017 • USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

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United States Department of Agriculture

6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Breakfast around the World
Everyone has a different routine in the
morning. Some jump up out of bed quickly,
others press snooze a few times. Some walk
their dogs, others watch T.V. or scan social
media to find out what is happening in
the world. Some sit down to eat breakfast
by themselves or with their family, others
may wait to eat until they get to school or
work. What’s the first thing you do when
you wake up in the morning? What is your
morning routine like?

Breakfast is
an important meal.
A balanced, nutritious
breakfast can help you:
 Have energy (which allows
you to move and be active)

Most countries around the world have
some kind of breakfast custom. In the United States,
people eat a wide variety of breakfast foods — from
oatmeal to eggs to fruits — in many different
settings. No matter where people eat,

a good healthy meal is the
smart way to start the day.

Vocabulary
Words are
in bold and
underlined.

 Concentrate in class
(it’s hard to pay attention
when you’re hungry!)

Eati
n
scho g break
f
to st ol is a g ast at
reat
art y
w
our
day! ay

School Breakfast Program
In the United States, the School
Breakfast Program offers breakfast
to millions of children every day.
School breakfasts are a great way
to get a balanced meal.

NOT FINAL

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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Eating A Balanced Breakfast
MyPlate shows the food groups that are building blocks to
a healthy eating style. Choose foods from the food groups
to build a balanced breakfast.

Make half of the
grains you eat
whole grains.
Aim to start your day
with whole grains,
which will be a great
step toward making
sure that half your
grains for the day are
whole grains.

%
+

Make half your plate
fruits and vegetables.
Fruits and vegetables can be
important components of
a balanced breakfast. Many
children in the U.S. do not eat
enough fruits and vegetables.
Breakfast provides a way to
include more of these foods in
your diet.1

+

+

+
A balanced
breakfast
contains at
least three
of the five
food groups.

Move to low-fat or
fat-free dairy.
If you choose dairy, make
sure it's fat-free or low-fat.

A balanced
breakfast is low in
sodium, saturated
fat, refined grains,
and added sugar.
Making small changes
like these helps create a
healthier overall eating
style. Think of each change
as a personal “win” on your
path to eating healthier.

–
There are many ways to create a balanced breakfast that
is nutritious and includes foods you love. Have you ever
wondered what young people in other places eat to start
their days? Read on to learn about some of the breakfasts
eaten around the world.
1. “Progress on children eating more fruit, not vegetables.” CDC Vital Signs. National Center for Chronic Disease and
Prevention and Health Promotion. August 2014. https://www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns/pdf/2014-08-vitalsigns.pdf.

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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Breakfasts From Around the World
People from cultures around the world serve a variety of foods for breakfast. People all over the
world incorporate their cultural traditions and can still build a meal that includes choices from
multiple food groups. Take a look at some breakfasts kids might eat in other countries. Notice what
food groups are included in these popular meals.

LEBANON

labneh
CHINA

jook
COSTA RICA

gallo pinto

NIGERIA

akaraa

INDIA

idli

Food Groups Breakfast in Different Countries
China: A favorite breakfast in China is jook, a rice dish (Grain) topped with
greens and mushrooms (Vegetables), and tofu and strips of fried meat or
egg (Protein Foods).

Costa Rica: A typical breakfast in Costa Rica includes Gallo Pinto — a mix
of black beans (Vegetable) with rice (Grain), spiced with cumin, pepper,
and garlic. It is usually served with eggs but sometimes with chopped beef
(Protein Food) or plantains (Fruit) as well. Gallo Pinto is often accompanied
by an assortment of fruits like, pineapple, watermelon, and papaya (Fruit).
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6TH GRADE | INFORMATIONAL TEXT ARTICLE 

Food Groups

Breakfast in Different Countries
Greece: If you woke up in Greece tomorrow morning, your balanced
breakfast might consist of spanakopita, a tangy spinach pie made with
feta cheese (Vegetable, Dairy), and fresh orange juice (Fruit), as well as
pancakes (Grain) with tahini (sesame paste) and honey. 

India: In addition to geography, cultural values influence what people
eat for breakfast. The breakfast options in India are as diverse as its
1.2 billion people. In southern India, breakfast can include idli, a warm
cake make from fermented lentils (Protein Food) and rice (Grain), and
different vegetables dishes like tomato chutney (Vegetable).
Nigeria: Vegetables might seem like an uncommon choice for breakfast,
but they are often a part of the first meal of the day in Nigeria. Nigeria
is known for its root vegetables, like yam and cassava. Breakfast might
include yam porridge (Vegetable), rice (Grain), and akaraa, a bean cake
(Protein Food).

Conclusion
Breakfast plays an important role in giving people the energy they need to play and learn throughout
the day. There are many ways to eat a balanced breakfast. Don’t be afraid to explore other cultures
and try new foods in all of the five food groups as part of your personal breakfast routine.

VOCABULARY

A

Culture: The beliefs, customs, arts, and ways of life of a particular group.
Custom: A way of behaving that is usual among the people in a particular group.
Refined Grains: Grains that have been milled, which removes the bran, germ, and
important nutrients. Examples include white flour, white bread, and white rice.
Saturated Fats: Fats that are usually solid at room temperature. They are most
often found in animal products such as beef, pork, and chicken.
Sodium: A mineral generally present in the form of salt (sodium) that your body
needs in small amounts to work properly. However, when consumed in excessive
amounts sodium can raise the risk of high blood pressure (hypertension).
Whole Grains: Grains that contain the entire grain kernel — the bran, germ, and
endosperm — and therefore typically contain more nutrients than refined grains.

Food and Nutrition Service • FNS-XXX • Month 2018 • USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. • http://teamnutrition.usda.gov

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