Celebrate National Nutrition Month: "Food Connects Us!"

Ohio — March is not just a month; it’s National Nutrition Month! And this year, it’s all about the theme "Food Connects Us." We may not always see eye to eye, but who can argue with a plate full of delicious, nutritious food? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is serving up some fantastic reasons for everyone to rally around nutrition education and healthy eating, and guess what? The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is here to help you get a taste of it!

What You Need to Know

Now, let’s break down the essentials that will make your March a month of munching and connecting.

Theme: Food Connects Us (2025)

We’re getting ahead in style! This year’s theme encourages everyone to appreciate how food brings us together. Remember, food isn’t just fuel; it’s a bridge to hearts and homes—like the ultimate dinner party where everyone’s invited!

Local Flavor: Shop Local for a Healthy Plate

The ODH highlights programs across the Buckeye State for folks seeking healthier food options. And what’s better than local produce? It’s fresher, it supports local farmers, and it gives back—kinda like your favorite multitasking dad joke! You just can’t beet that.

Screen-Free Meals: The Healthier Way to “Disconnect”

In a world filled with notifications and distractions, ODH suggests bringing it back to basics. Why not gather around the table for a meal without the screens blaring? Talk about a recipe for connection! Mike Siemenski, a Public Health Nutritionist at ODH, suggests, “You could try cooking a new, healthy recipe with others, and then sit down to enjoy the meal all together.” It’s like avocado toast—simple but effective!

Delicious Recommendations

Here are some tasty tips from the Ohio Department of Health to get you started on this food-filled journey:

1. Cook Together, Eat Together

Grab your family, friends, or neighbors, and make meal prep a group activity. Whether it’s a cherished family recipe or a newfound Pinterest gem, cooking together is a surefire way to strengthen connections! Plus, if it goes wrong, you can bond over what not to do.

2. Shop Locally

Why go far when you can find deliciousness right in your own backyard? Farmers markets and local pop-up shops are ripe with fresh fruits and veggies. Plus, buying local means you’re supporting your community! It’s a win-win—just like hitting both sides of a double cheeseburger!

3. Snap Into Healthy Eating with SNAP/EBT

Got an EBT card? The ProducePERKS program is more generous than a dad at a barbecue! For every $25 spent on produce, you receive another $25 free. That makes for a lot of fresh fruit—which can only lead to a-peeling snacks.

4. WIC Love

The Women’s, Infants, and Children’s (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers coupons to help families snag fresh fruits, veggies, and herbs from local farmers. This program starts in June, so mark your calendars! Who knows—you might even learn how to grow your own herbs and have a little garden party of your own!

5. Health Promotion Program

The ODH has plenty of resources for Ohioans looking to access healthy food. Think of them as nutrition superheroes. They help with everything from food service guidelines to the Farm to School program, all aimed at keeping Ohio healthy and happy!

Let’s Make a Difference Together!

So, as we dice, chop, and sauté our way through National Nutrition Month, remember that food is more than a meal; it connects us! So call up your friends, find some fresh produce nearby, and get cooking. Whether you perfect that fancy new dish or serve up spaghetti that looks more like modern art, the important part is enjoying the process and each other’s company.

After all, good food and great company are the perfect recipe for happiness…and that’s no yolk!

For more information about the Ohio Department of Health’s initiatives for National Nutrition Month, click here. Happy munching, Ohio! 🍽️

Celebrating National Nutrition Month: Connecting Through Food and Healthy Eating in Ohio