The Food Pyramid and Recommended Serving Sizes for Kids Ages 4

Early School Age Kids (4 - 8 years) Food Pyramid, Serving Sizes and Nutrition Guidelines

The Basic Five Food Groups within The Food Pyramid

The Food pyramid and suggested serving sizes for each food group for early school age kids are reviewed below.

Grains: Key nutrients: Carbohydrates, B-vitamins and iron

Instead of the typical serving sizes, grains are now measured out in one ounce equivalents in the latest revision of the food pyramid guide.

Examples of common one ounce grain equivalent equals:

1 slice bread, 1/2 small bagel or 1/2 pita bread

1/2 cup cooked hot cereal

1/2 cup cooked rice or pasta

1 ounce (3/4 cup) cold cereal

An early school age kid needs 4 to 5 (one ounce) equivalents each day. Split up amount required for total day between meals and snacks. A typical serving size to offer at meal or snack time is 3/4 to 1 of (one ounce) equivalent.

About 1/2 of the grains should be from whole grains.

Vegetables: Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A, folic acid, magnesium and fiber

Vegetable servings are measured in cups.

Example of 1 cup equivalents are the following:

1 cup raw or cooked vegetables

2 cups raw leafy vegetables

6 ounces vegetable juice

1 medium potato

1 large tomato

12 baby carrots

Early school age kids need approximately 1-1/2 cups each day. Divide up and offer throughout the day with meals and snacks. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is approximately 1/2 cup.

Offer vegetables in a variety of colors to ensure a wide assortment of nutrients.

Fruits: Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium and fiber

Fruits are measured in cups in the current food pyramid guide.

Examples of 1 cup fruit equivalent equals the following:

1 medium piece of fruit

1 cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit

6-8 ounces 100% fruit juice

1/2 cup dried fruit

An early school age kid needs 1 to 1-1/2 cups each day. Divide up and offer throughout the day with meals and snacks. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is 1/2 cup.

Dairy/Dairy Products: Key nutrients: Calcium, riboflavin and protein

Early school age kids need 2 cups each day. Divide between meals and snacks daily . A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is approximately 1/2 cup to 1 cup.

Common dairy equivalents are the following:

1 cup yogurt

1-1/2 ounces natural cheese or 2 ounces processed cheese

1/3 cup shredded cheese

Meats or Meat Alternatives: Key nutrients: Protein, B-vitamins, iron and zinc

Meats are measured in one ounce or one ounce equivalents.

Common one ounce equivalents equals:

1 ounce meat, poultry or fish

1/4 cup cooked dry beans

1 egg

1 Tablespoon peanut butter

A small handful of nuts or seeds (1/2 ounce)

1/4 cup tofu

2 tablespoons hummus

Early school age kids need 3 to 4 (one ounce) equivalents each day. A typical serving size to offer at meal and snack time is approximately 1-1/2 to 2 (one ounce) equivalents.

Suggested Amounts for Key Nutrients

Girls ages 4 years to 8 years

Calories: 1,200 to 1,800 depending on age and activity level.

Protein: 10 to 30 percent of total daily requirements.

Carbohydrates: 45 to 65 percent of total daily requirements, but no less than 130 grams a day.

Total fat: 25 to 35 percent of daily requirements. Majority of fat sources should come from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats.

Sodium: 1,200 milligrams a day.

Fiber: 25 grams a day.

Calcium: 800 milligrams a day.

Boys ages 4 years to 8 years

Calories: 1,400 to 2,000 depending on age and activity level.