National Nutrition Month: Why It Matters & Fun Ways to Celebrate

The Importance of National Nutrition Month 

National Nutrition Month, observed every March, is important because it raises awareness about healthy eating, balanced diets, and overall wellness. Here’s why it matters: 

1. Promotes Healthy Eating Habits – Encourages individuals to make informed food choices and adopt nutritious eating patterns. 

2. Increases Awareness of Nutritional Needs – Educates people on essential nutrients, portion control, and how diet impacts health. 

3. Supports Disease Prevention – Highlights how proper nutrition can help prevent chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. 

4. Encourages Physical Activity – Promotes the connection between good nutrition and an active lifestyle for overall well-being. 

5. Empowers Communities – Provides resources for schools, workplaces, and organizations to promote better nutrition and wellness programs. 

Some Fun Facts about National Nutrition Month

• It Started as "National Nutrition Week" – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics launched it in 1973, and it became a month-long celebration in 1980 due to its growing popularity. 

• Each Year Has a Theme – Every March, a new theme is introduced to focus on different aspects of nutrition and healthy living. In 2025, the theme is “Food Connects Us” which emphasizes how sharing a meal can connect us to our families, friends & our culture while being an opportunity to learn more about how our ingredients are sourced and prepared. 

• Colorful Plates = Better Nutrition – A simple rule of thumb for healthy eating is to fill your plate with a variety of colors—fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains! 

• Hydration Counts Too! – Nutrition isn’t just about food; staying hydrated plays a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and overall health. Water-rich foods like cucumbers and watermelon help with hydration. 

• MyPlate Replaced the Food Pyramid – Many people remember the old food pyramid, but in 2011, it was replaced with MyPlate, a simpler guide showing how to balance meals. 

Ways You Can Celebrate National Nutrition Month 

At Home 

• Try a New Fruit or Vegetable Each Week – Expand your taste buds and boost your nutrition by introducing a different fruit or veggie into your meals each week. 

• Cook and Plan Meals Together – Gather with family or friends to prepare and enjoy meals, embracing this year’s theme, “Food Connects Us.” Get everyone involved in food prep and give kids age-appropriate tasks to teach them valuable cooking skills. 

• Incorporate More Meatless Meals – Experiment with plant-based proteins like beans and lentils, which are versatile, nutritious, and delicious in many dishes. 

• Enhance Your Meals with New Flavors – Add variety to your cooking with fresh herbs, spices, or citrus fruits like lemon and lime for an extra burst of flavor. 

  

At School 

• Host a Favorite Fruits & Veggies Vote – Have students vote for their favorite produce and display the results on a scoreboard to make healthy eating fun and engaging. 

• Start a School Vegetable Garden – If space is limited, incorporate a lesson about plant growth to inspire students to appreciate fresh food. 

• Plan a Farm Field Trip – Give students a hands-on learning experience about where their food comes from by visiting a local farm. 

At Work 

• Celebrate Cultural Cuisine – Introduce international flavors by featuring global dishes in the lunchroom. You might discover a new favorite! 

• Organize a Healthy Potluck – Encourage colleagues to bring dishes representing different food groups for a well-balanced, nutritious meal. 

• Stock Up on Healthier Options – Add nutritious snacks and meal choices to office breakrooms and cafeterias to support workplace wellness.