Northeast Regional Milk, Yogurt, Cheese

Like the USDA Food Pyramid, the second level of the NERFG Pyramid consists of two food groups: Milk yogurt, and cheese; and Dry beans, nuts, eggs, poultry, fish, and meats. This is the level of the pyramid where most of the foods from animal sources are found.

Milk products provide protein, vitamins, and minerals. Milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent sources of calcium.

For good health, the USDA recommends 2-3 servings (this will be a link later) from the Milk, yogurt, cheese group everyday - two for most people and 3 for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, teenagers, and young adults to age 24. The following count as 1 serving from this group: 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1-1/2 - 2 ounces of cheese.

But what if I want to follow a vegetarian diet?

Are there other, non-dairy sources calcium?

Dairy products are very economically important to many of the northeastern states. While other regions in the United States are big dairy producers, Dairy is also an important industry in the Northeast.

fats, oils, sweets | milk, yogurt, cheese | dry beans, nuts, eggs, poultry, fish, meats
fruits and vegetables | breads, cereal, pasta, tortillas, whole grains

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