National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created 50 years ago in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
This year's theme is "Fuel for the Future." Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help you create healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate your unique needs.
The National Nutrition Month® website (https://www.eatright.org/) offers these 5 weekly messages to consider and act on during this monthly observance:
Week 1: Eat with the environment in mind.
- Enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks.
- Purchase foods with minimal packaging.
- Buy foods in season and shop locally when possible.
- Start a container or backyard garden to grow food at home.
Week 2: See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
- Find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
- Learn how nutrient needs may change with age.
- Receive personalized nutrition information to meet your health goals.
Week 3: Stay nourished and save money.
- Plan your meals and snacks.
- See what food you have at home before purchasing more.
- Use a grocery list and shop sales when purchasing food.
- Learn about community resources such as SNAP, WIC, and local food banks.
Week 4: Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.
- Include your favorite cultural foods and traditions.
- Eat foods in various forms including fresh, frozen, canned and dried.
- Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions.
- Practice gratitude for your body by giving it the fuel it needs.
Week 5: Make tasty foods at home.
- Learn cooking and meal preparation skills.
- Try new flavors and foods from around the world.
- Find creative ways to use leftovers rather than tossing them.
- Create happy memories by eating with friends and family when possible.
Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education, and advocacy.
Tulare County HHSA’s Nutrition Education & Obesity Prevention program (NEOP) works along those same lines to implement healthy changes within Tulare County communities and provide nutrition and physical activity education to low-income residents by:
- Increasing access to healthy foods and beverages where people live, learn, work, play, or shop
- Reducing displays of unhealthy foods and beverages
- Increasing physical activity opportunities
Tulare County NEOP also collaborates with multiple existing organizations and programs, including:
- University of California Cooperative Extension
- Tulare County Office of Education
- Kaweah Delta
- Family HealthCare Network
- FoodLink
Services Provided
Nutrition Education Classes
Classes offered include basic nutrition, eating healthy on a budget, physical activity, and healthy recipe food demonstrations.
Healthy Retail Initiative
Tulare County NEOP provides nutrition education at retail sites as well as healthy retail advertising.
Community Events
Signature community events that Tulare County NEOP hosts with collaboration from our partners include:
- Fruit & Veggie Fest
- Latino Health Awareness
- Rethink Your Drink
- Food Day
- Community Forums
In this way, NEOP helps the community “Fuel for the Future,” as recommended by National Nutrition Month®.
