Dear Educator: Here's an easy way to meet nutrition education needs: a deck of cards with four suits: FRUITS, VEGETABLES, GRAINS and PROTEINS. Each set of numbers goes together to create a balanced meal or snack. A game list with simple instructions lets children play fun card games while meeting many of the Health Standards for K-6 Education: *Understand the importance of nutritious foods *Identify foods that make the body grow and function normally *Develop and follow healthy eating habits *Help others make healthy choices *Identify the benefits of major nutrients found in foods *Use valid nutrition information to make healthy food choices We've added nutrition education twists to well-known card games (ex.: Memory, Crazy 8s and Go Fish) so it's easy for teachers, parents and children to play the games right away while learning surprising facts about high sugar/fat snacks and drinks as well as essential nutrition and exercise basics. New games like Snacker's Wild and Lunch Mania, reinforce the importance of eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruits, whole grain carbohydrates and lean protein choices. By using these Nutrition Playing Cards, children get a jump on understanding why certain foods are better choices than others. The visual appeal of the food pictures also encourages children to request healthy foods for snacks and meals... even when making choices in the cafeteria. The card design also coordinates with USDA's 2005 MyPyramid to help children understand the role of the new Pyramid. Sincerely, Sharon Applegate Nutrition Specialist for Elementary Education  Next Page