“Nutrition News for Children” is from Vegan in Volume, published by The Vegetarian Resource Group. This fantastic vegan quantity recipe cookbook is written by Chef Nancy Berkoff, EdD, RD. Special thanks to VRG intern Karen Abbe-Leibowitz for updating this section from the latest edition of the book. You can order Vegan in Volume here: http://www.vrg.org/catalog/. If you want to share vegan food service information (including recipes) with chefs and others, see: http://www.vrg.org/fsupdate/index.htm.
NUTRITION NEWS FOR CHILDREN
As children grow, so do their vitamin and mineral needs. Vitamins A,C, E, and the minerals calcium, iron, and zinc may be low, because children who may not care for the foods in which they are contained use these nutrients quite quickly.
Remember that hydration is important for children, as they may become dehydrated without becoming thirsty. Make every ounce count toward good nutrition by offering soy or rice milk (flavor it with puréed fruit or garnish it with an apple slice or an orange wedge), fruit juices, vegetable juices, or even water! Freeze puréed fruit, fruit juice, or chocolate soy or rice milk to create frozen treats that help to hydrate.
The USDA’s MyPlate guide is an illustration of the recommended portions of the five food groups. It is a fun learning tool for children and an easy guide for adults to follow. The MyPlate website provides a detailed daily food plan based on the age of the child. In the table below, we have included a vegan kids’ version of the daily food plan.
DAILY MYPLATE FOOD PLANS: VEGAN KIDS’ VERSION