What’s On My Plate?

Little Thunder had a lunch box and a big plan.

"We're having a picnic by the creek," he said. "I'm packing lunch for everyone. Biscuits, more biscuits, and a cake."

Suzy peered into the box. "That's a lot of sweet food. Treats are fine sometimes, but they won't give us energy for the whole afternoon."

"What will?" asked Little Thunder.

Spike trotted over to the farm kitchen garden. "Let's find out what each food does for our bodies."

They started at the dairy. Ottawa the cow was waiting by the milking shed. "Milk, cheese and yoghurt have calcium," she said. "Calcium helps build strong bones and teeth."

"Like strong horns?" asked Little Thunder.

"Horns too," laughed Ottawa.

Next was the hen house. Suzy carefully lifted out a brown egg with her soft mouth, the way kelpies do. "Eggs have protein. Protein helps your muscles grow and repair."

"Meat, fish, beans and nuts have protein too," added Spike.

In the vegie patch, Little Thunder pulled up a bright orange carrot. "What does this do?"

"Fruit and vegetables have vitamins, minerals and fibre," said Suzy. "They help you fight off colds, see well, and keep your tummy working."

"And bread, rice and pasta give you energy," said Spike. "Especially wholegrain ones. They keep you going for a long time."

Little Thunder looked at his box of biscuits. Then he started again.

In went a wholegrain sandwich with cheese. In went a boiled egg, carrot sticks, an apple and a bottle of water. Right in the corner, he tucked one small biscuit.

"A balanced lunch," said Suzy proudly.

By the creek, they ate and played all afternoon. Little Thunder ran races up and down the bank and never got tired.

"See?" said Spike. "Good food is good fuel."

Little Thunder munched his biscuit. "And a little treat is a good ending."