The Foundation: Understanding the USDA MyPlate Model
The most current and widely-used nutritional model in the United States is the USDA's MyPlate, which replaced the old Food Pyramid in 2011. This simple visual guide provides a clear roadmap for creating balanced meals. For Cub Scouts, learning this system is a requirement for many nutrition-related achievements and helps them make smart food choices both in the den and at home. The following sections detail each of the five essential food groups as defined by MyPlate.
1. Fruits
This group includes any fruit or 100% fruit juice. Fruits are packed with important vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and are naturally low in fat, sodium, and calories. They are a great source of energy for active scouts.
- Examples: Apples, bananas, oranges, berries, grapes, and dried fruits like raisins.
- Serving Suggestions for Scouts: Fruit salads for a den snack, sliced apples with a dash of cinnamon, or a handful of grapes during a hike.
2. Vegetables
The vegetable group is known for being a powerhouse of nutrients and contains a wide variety of options. A healthy diet should include a diverse mix of colors and types, as recommended by MyPlate.
- Examples: Broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, spinach, corn, and green beans.
- Serving Suggestions for Scouts: Carrot sticks and cucumber slices with a healthy dip, a simple side salad for a cookout, or a vegetable relay race activity.
3. Grains
Any food made from wheat, rice, oats, cornmeal, barley, or another cereal grain is a part of this group. It is important to emphasize choosing whole grains over refined grains, as whole grains contain more fiber and other nutrients.
- Examples: Whole-wheat bread, whole-grain crackers, oatmeal, brown rice, and whole-wheat pasta.
- Serving Suggestions for Scouts: Trail mix with whole-grain cereal, sandwiches on whole-wheat bread for a picnic, or oatmeal for a camp breakfast.
4. Proteins
Protein is crucial for building and repairing muscle tissue and is a major component of a healthy diet. The protein food group includes meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, nuts, seeds, and beans.
- Examples: Lean beef, chicken, fish, eggs, peanut butter, lentils, and beans.
- Serving Suggestions for Scouts: Turkey and cheese roll-ups, scrambled eggs for breakfast, or ants on a log (celery, sunbutter, and raisins) for a fun, nutritious snack.
5. Dairy
Dairy products are important for bone health and provide essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and vitamin D. This group includes milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soy milk alternatives.
- Examples: Milk, yogurt, cheese sticks, and cottage cheese.
- Serving Suggestions for Scouts: Yogurt parfaits with berries and granola, a serving of cheese with whole-grain crackers, or a glass of milk with a meal.
Comparing Food Groups: How MyPlate Differs from Older Models
| Feature | MyPlate (Current) | Food Pyramid (Previous) |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Aid | A simple plate divided into sections for each food group. | A multi-level pyramid, with the largest section at the base. |
| Food Group Emphasis | Emphasizes equal-sized portions for fruits, vegetables, grains, and protein, with dairy on the side. Half the plate is fruits and vegetables. | Emphasized grains as the base of the diet, followed by fruits/vegetables. |
| Clarity | Easier to understand at a glance, especially for children. | More complex and often misinterpreted regarding portion sizes. |
| Dietary Goals | Promotes eating from all groups at each meal for a balanced approach. | Could suggest an imbalance by promoting a very high intake of grains. |
| Dairy Inclusion | Puts dairy as a separate, distinct component. | Included milk, yogurt, and cheese within the larger "dairy" group. |
Creating Balanced Meals for Cub Scouts
Planning meals that incorporate all five food groups is a key skill for Cub Scouts and their leaders. A balanced meal doesn't mean each meal must contain every single food group, but that variety should be achieved over the course of a day or week. This allows for flexibility with meal planning for different activities, such as a backyard cookout versus a multi-day campout. When preparing food for a den, it's also important to consider food allergies and dietary restrictions within the group.
Practical Applications for Cub Scout Activities
For many Cub Scout adventures, such as camping or hiking, having a pre-planned menu can be a lifesaver. Lightweight snacks, such as trail mix, beef jerky, and dried fruit, provide quick energy without a lot of bulk, aligning with principles of Leave No Trace. For den meetings, simple snacks that can be assembled by the scouts themselves, like fruit kabobs or small cheese and cracker stacks, can be a great way to reinforce nutrition lessons.
Conclusion
By teaching what are the 5 food groups for Cub Scouts, leaders and parents provide valuable nutritional knowledge that goes beyond simple meal preparation. This foundation, based on the USDA MyPlate model, empowers young scouts to make healthier food choices and fuels their adventures. From planning balanced meals for a campout to preparing a simple, nutritious snack, understanding these five groups—Fruits, Vegetables, Grains, Protein, and Dairy—is a fundamental part of a Cub Scout's development.
Optional Outbound Link
For more information on the MyPlate dietary guidelines, visit the official USDA MyPlate website.
