Eat PECS Card: Free Printable Eat Icon
A free printable eat card your child can hand you to say they are hungry. Print it on its own, or edit it in the free PECS Card Maker with a photo of your child's real snack.
A full sheet of 12 cards at 2 inch on US Letter. Cut along the dotted line. No email needed.
Also in the set: Food and Drink PECS Cards.
When to use the eat card
Use it at snack time and meals, and anywhere your child gets hungry and does not yet have a reliable way to ask. It is one of the first cards many families teach, because the reward is built in: the moment the card is handed over, food arrives.
How to teach the eat card
- Hold a favorite snack where your child can see it but not reach it.
- When your child reaches for the snack, a second adult gently guides their hand to pick up the eat card and give it to you.
- Give the snack right away and say "eat" as you hand it over.
- Fade the guiding hand over several sessions until your child hands you the card on their own.
Printable picture cards, sentence strips, and a communication book to start and grow picture exchange.
Cards that go with it
Drink
Snack
All Done and More
Help
Yes and NoFrequently asked questions
- Is the eat PECS card free to print?
- Yes. Download the PDF with no email required, or customize the card in the free maker before you print.
- Can I use a photo instead of the drawing?
- Yes. Open the card in the maker and swap in a photo of your child's own food or plate, which some children recognize more easily.
- What should I teach after the eat card?
- Most families add drink, more and all done next, then specific foods your child asks for often.
- Why print a full sheet of one card?
- Cards get lost, chewed and left at school. A sheet gives you spares for the kitchen, the car and the school bag.
Take this further with Beacon
Want personalized help? Beacon knows your child and gives guidance specific to them.