This is a press release from the American Dietetic Association
CHICAGO--The release of the Food Guide Pyramid for Young Children by the USDA
today (March 25) in Washington, D.C., is further evidence that children have special
nutritional needs, according to The American Dietetic Association, the world's largest
group of food and nutrition professionals.
Recent research in the Journal of The American Dietetic Association showed the
health status of U.S. children has generally improved over the past 3 decades, however,
the number of children who are overweight more than doubled. Approximately 11% of
American children are overweight and an additional 14% have a body mass index
between the 85th and 95th percentiles, according to the research.
"Children's nutrition is no small issue," said child nutrition expert and registered dietitian
JoAnn Hattner, spokesperson for The American Dietetic Association. "There is no
better time than the early years to make an impact on the lifelong eating and exercise
habits that contribute to health maintenance and disease prevention."
Currently most children do not meet the USDA's recommendations, especially for the
fruit, vegetable, grain and dairy groups, according to the research. "The Food Guide
Pyramid for Young Children is an important tool for establishing healthful eating habits,"
Hattner said.
She added that nutrition profoundly affects children's ability to learn, develop and stay
healthy and suggested parents and caregivers take an active role in children's eating
and physical activity patterns.
ADA has these suggestions for parents or caregivers:
- Claim breakfast as a time to be together. Breakfast can be an important first step
toward meeting the recommendations of the Food Guide Pyramid for Children.
- Make family-centered changes toward healthful eating. Make mealtime pleasant.
Plan, prepare and eat meals together.
- Plan for family activities to promote an active lifestyle. As role models, join kids in
active play--take walks or hike together as a weekend outing, ride bikes after
dinner, or play a quick game of catch after work.
The USDA's new pyramid is recommended for children two to six years old. In 1996,
ADA adapted the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid for use by children as part of its Child
Nutrition and Health Campaign.
Parents and caregivers can call The American Dietetic Association hotline at
800-366-1655 during April 1999 to hear a special recorded message, to request a free
copy of the fact sheet "A nutritious start helps kids learn and stay healthy" or to receive a
referral to a local registered dietitian.
With nearly 70,000 members, the ADA serves the public by promoting optimal nutrition,
health and well being.
