National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored every March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This campaign – which began in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and becoming a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition – focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
Nutritious diets play a key role in helping individuals stay healthy throughout their lives. However, as the 2022 White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health highlighted, millions of Americans face hurdles when it comes to accessing healthy food — and far too many are at risk of experiencing diet-related diseases.
This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is Discover the Power of Nutrition. Nutrition has the power to help individuals and communities thrive. Discover how food and beverage choices can help power your day. Learn tips for accessing healthy foods in your area. And build healthy habits into your day to help you feel great now and in the future.
Helpful Resources
Each March during National Nutrition Month®, the Academy hosts resources on its website to encourage consumers to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long.
Connect with Food.
“Good nutrition is at the heart of a healthier, more vibrant life, with food serving as a source of joy and connection,” says registered dietitian Wesley McWhorter, an Academy Spokesperson in Houston, Texas. “By embracing the pleasure of eating, cooking and discovering where our food comes from, we can help our communities build stronger ties to nourishing foods that support health. Let’s keep the connection strong around the table and celebrate the power of food to bring us together and improve well-being.”
Connect with a Nutrition Expert.
“RDNs specialize in providing personalized nutrition care to patients for a variety of chronic health conditions,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Sue-Ellen Anderson-Haynes, an Academy Spokesperson in Massachusetts. “This is why it is so important to connect with an RDN and get a personalized nutrition plan for your unique nutrition needs. While you may need to get a referral to see an RDN, there is no need to develop a health condition to see an RDN – RDNs provide preventative care through prenatal nutrition counseling, meal planning, sports performance and so much more.”
Explore the Connection Between Food and Culture.
“Food is deeply connected to our heritage, identity and well-being,” says registered dietitian nutritionist Grace A. Derocha, an Academy Spokesperson in Detroit, Mich. “As a Filipino-American registered dietitian, I encourage everyone to celebrate National Nutrition Month® by exploring the rich connection between food and culture. Try new ingredients, experiment with traditional recipes and embrace global flavors while honoring your own cultural roots. Sharing meals with family and friends not only nourishes the body but also strengthens bonds and preserves traditions. By appreciating the diversity of food, we create a more inclusive and flavorful approach to healthy eating.”
Build the Connection Across All Stages of Life.
“Research has shown that the environment we live in, along with our day-to-day choices for what we eat and how much physical activity we get, have a greater influence on our health and aging than our genes,” says registered dietitian Julie Stefanski, an Academy Spokesperson in Baltimore, Md. “Every day, we can make choices to move more and include healthful foods that support our bodies as we get older. Making balanced choices from all food groups provides the nutrients that are needed to support healthy growth and aging.”
Keep it Going All Year Long
Whether you’re looking at nutrition headlines or searching for nutritious options, boost your confidence when it comes to food and health. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or nutrition and dietetics technician, registered (NDTR) can expertly guide you with information driven by science.
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