CC:  Using an overhead transparency or poster of a sample food label, introduce the students to the food labels appearing on the back of purchased food items. Discuss and define the vocabulary found there. Discuss what nutrients the various food groups in Activity 1, Food Guide Pyramid, provide. Using the following USDA recommended website http://kidshealth.org/kid/stay_healthy/food/labels.html or other resource as a reference guide, explain to the students the importance and function of each part of the food label. The students should understand the meaning of daily values and the USDA's reasons for listing vitamins, minerals, calories, fats, cholesterol, sodium, protein, and carbohydrates. The students should understand that calories, certain minerals and some nutrients must be restricted in diets to avoid health problems such as obesity, diabetes, coronary disease, and high blood pressure. Provide students with sample labels and have them search the labels for answers to various nutritional questions that will help them to evaluate the food.

Students may begin asking questions about the foods in their diet. Provide labels for some of the foods listed previously in their food diary. Have students analyze the foods in their diets for the various nutrients that are often lacking in diets and those that are often too abundant and therefore not good for them. Have students write letters to their parents describing what they have discovered and informing their parents of the importance of restricting sodium, calories, fats, and cholesterol. Parents may find the following site recommended for them by the USDA of value. http://kidshealth.org/parent/nutrition_fit/nutrition/food_labels.html.

Kidspiration Template - "Letter to Parent"

Unitedstreaming videos

http://unitedstreaming.com

Nutrition Labels: Our Guides to Healthy Eating (18:00)

Food and Nutrition 1 (17:00)

Food and Nutrition 2 (16:00)

The Food Label
http://www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/foodlabel/newlabel.html

Food Standards Agency - Eat Well
http://www.eatwell.gov.uk/healthydiet/nutritionessentials/fruitandveg/