Let's celebrate National Nutrition Month
- col-kate-shumaker
- March 14, 2025
- 644
National Nutrition Month was established in 1973. This campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is celebrated each March. Throughout the month everyone is encouraged to learn to be able to make informed food choices. Developing healthy eating and physical activity habits is encouraged.
Each year a theme is selected. The theme for 2025 is “Food Connects Us.” How many different ways can you think of that food connects people? How many memories do you have that involve food?
Cultures, ethnicities, geographic regions, families, friends — all connect us to different foods. When we share a meal, we might pay attention to how it was prepared, where the ingredients came from or who made it. Our relationship with food also may change over time due to many factors including health, traditions, seasons, memories, access and availability.
Exploring the traditions and history behind your food can deepen your connection to it. Whether the dish is familiar or new, understanding its preparation and significance can be enriching. This knowledge can foster a bond with the person who made it, offer insights into sustainability and inform you about its health impacts.
Those of you who know me know I can connect a lot of things to food — people, places, events. Food can take you there, sometimes just the smell. Recently, I had the opportunity to take a trip back to my hometown with my dad. One of my few requests was a toasted ham and cheese sub from the local pizza place like we used to order. Sadly, I discovered they had closed. By some miracle the family had a second shop in a nearby town — same sub rolls made from pizza dough, same simple toasted ham and cheese with lettuce, tomato, Miracle Whip and oregano. It tasted like home.
As we journey through life, our nutrient needs change, but essential nutrients remain our steadfast companions. Instead of reaching for supplements, why not let your plate be your guide? Fill it with vibrant fruits, crisp vegetables, hearty whole grains, lean proteins, and refreshing low-fat or fat-free dairy or fortified soy milk. This colorful and delicious array not only meets your nutritional needs, but also makes every meal an adventure in health and flavor.
One more connection you can make is with a nutrition professional. Registered dietitian nutritionists and nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered, play a critical role in helping people understand the connection between the foods individuals and communities eat and how these foods impact health throughout life.
You can learn more about National Nutrition Month at www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month.
Kate Shumaker is an OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator and may be reached at 330-674-3015 or Shumaker.68@osu.edu.