One of the first items you come across is a chart with themes, components, a youth activity, a family activity and a community activity. Each activity is tied to the theme. For instance, the first theme is “Nutrition is the link between agriculture and health.” One of the suggested youth activities is called The Grain Game. The object of the game is to identify different goods made from grains and expand the variety of foods eaten by tasting different kinds of foods made from grains. Items needed for this game are foods from grains like a corn tortilla, rye bread, oatmeal muffins, rice cakes and corn bread. Cut the food into bite size pieces. There will need to be a group leader to be in charge of the game. The kids divide into two teams. The group leader calls out a type of grain such as wheat. One team will call out a food made by that grain and the other team does the same. When all of the foods with that type of grain found on the table have been mentioned, another grain is named. Every time a team correctly identifies a type of food with the grain that was called the team gets a point. There is a list of different grains and foods that are made with those grains found with the activity. After the game is complete, have the kids taste each food. This will allow the youth to try items they might never have tasted.
The family activities center on things people can do at home such as arrange a trip to a farm or grow a little garden. There are many suggestions on how to get everyone involved and how to keep it fun. There is another section with community activities for the town or neighborhood to come together and work on. They suggest doing a Food Guide Pyramid Food Drive where non-perishable food items are collected or a Food and Field Olympics that involve food, fun and fitness games. In the back, there is a section of resources. The first page is a list of resources used in putting together the kit. The second is a contact page giving the names of people and agencies in different states that could be useful. You will also fine a publications list telling titles of brochures and pamphlets which could be helpful. There are also some pamphlets included along with a copy of the Food Guide Pyramid. This kit is loaded with ideas, activities, much more. If you are looking for a way to get people more involved in health, the Community Nutrition Action Kit is it!