Sunday School Lessons on Nutrition for Kids

In the first book of the Bible, Genesis 1:12 says, "The land produced vegetation-all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good." Include healthy nutrition lessons during Sunday school using scripture references and the Food Guide Pyramid.

Protein

• The Bible has many references to food and water.

  Genesis 43:11 tells the story of Jacob's sons taking food to Egypt, specifically nuts, for the release of their brother Benjamin from prison. Use this story while discussing the protein section of the Food Guide Pyramid. Discuss healthy protein sources such as lean meat, fish, seeds and nuts. Younger children can color healthy protein sources on a paper plate to take home. Older students can brainstorm in teams and write down healthy sources of protein and how to cook them.

Fruits and Vegetables

• The book of Psalms includes references to nutrition.

  Psalm 104 discusses how God has provided plants and water to feed all of His creation. Use this Psalm to discuss the Fruits and Vegetables section of the Food Guide Pyramid. Have a fruit-tasting table available for a hands-on approach. Print off coloring pages of fruits and vegetables from the Internet for younger children to color and take home. Include the importance of hydration with this section and have water bottles available to drink with the fruit samples.

Grain

• There are many Bible references to food and healthy nutrition.

  The book of Ruth discusses how Ruth and Naomi would glean the left-over grain from the fields to use in bread. Teach this Bible story along with discussions on healthy grains such as whole grain breads and cereals, oatmeal and brown rice. Younger students can create a paper baker's hat. Older students can plan ahead and bring whole grain bread to break with the rest of the class. If a kitchen is available, have older students make bread to share with the class.

Dairy

• Include lessons on nutrition in Sunday school.

  Exodus 3:8 discusses God's conversation with Moses and how he will lead his people out of Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey. Use this story to discuss the dairy group from the Food Guide Pyramid. Include discussions on calcium and its importance in healthy bone development. Conduct a yogurt activity by providing plain, low-fat yogurt, spoons, plastic drink cups and various ingredients such as granola, berries and honey. Have students scoop some yogurt into the plastic drink cups and then add other ingredients to make their own healthy yogurt.