National Nutrition Month is observed each year in March to help people learn how to make informed food choices and develop healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is “Food Connects Us.”
Food is a universal language that has long played an important role in social gatherings, cultural practices, and celebrations. In addition to providing sustenance and supporting overall health, food connects us to culture, community, family and friends, and our planet. This National Nutrition Month, celebrate by exploring the ways you connect with food.
Connecting with Culture
What are some traditional dishes from your culture? How have these dishes changed over time?
Try making one of these dishes and see how it compares to other cuisines. Do they contain similar ingredients?
Rice, potatoes, and pasta are three of the most common food items used in meals throughout the globe. While these items might be used in different ways, they represent a connection of food across cultures.
Activity: Host a Global Potluck. Invite friends or family to bring dishes from different cultures. It’s a fun way to explore new flavors and share stories about the dishes.
Connecting with Community
Everyone needs access to food, which is why getting connected with community food resources is so important. Find where you can donate food, including fresh produce from the Fairfax Food Council. Several non-profits, faith communities, and other organizations hold regular food drives to ensure people can access food.
The Fairfax County Health Department Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program provides services and assistance aimed at improving the health of pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five years of age.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides a monthly amount of money to help purchase food to ensure adults and families have nutritious meals. SNAP is accepted at most grocery stores. Five Fairfax County farmers markets accept SNAP and provide up to $40 in matching dollars for fruits and vegetables.
Connecting with Loved Ones
Family meals strengthen family bonds and encourage better nutrition. Cook a special family dish. While shopping for ingredients, take the opportunity to consider the nutritional value of the meal. Is there a lower sodium version of any ingredients? Does the meal incorporate all the food groups? Visit MyPlate to learn more food nutrition.
Connecting with the Environment
Food production, processing and packaging may impact the environment through emissions in several ways. You can consider lessening stress on natural resources by taking some of these steps:
- Considering what you eat and incorporating some plant-based meals
- Shopping for in-season produce
- Purchasing fruits and vegetables without packaging
- Buying local; like from Fairfax County famers markets
- Composting; see compost drop-off options
Activity: Farm-to-table. Embrace locally sourced ingredients to create meals that not only connect you with your community but also support sustainability.
Food brings people together, shapes cultures and environments, and supports overall health and well-being. Nutrition isn’t just what’s on our plate – it's about the connections we build through food.
Hear from a Community Public Health Nutritionist on more ways connect with food in these National Nutrition Month 2025 videos.