Marching Towards Better Nutrition: Let’s Get Cheesy!

AT THE HEART OF OHIO — Spring is in the air, and so is the smell of something delicious! March has officially been declared National Nutrition Month, and it’s time for foodies and health enthusiasts alike to put on their chef hats and gather around the table. This year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is serving up a theme that truly resonates with our taste buds: “Food Connects Us.” So, grab your forks and knives because we’re about to dig in!

What’s Cooking?

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is stirring the pot with some tasty tips for Buckeye State residents looking to munch their way through March and beyond. First up on the menu? Shopping locally! Why not saunter over to your nearest farmers’ market and pick up some fresh produce? It’s like getting a front-row seat to nature’s finest food show. Plus, shopping local means you’re supporting your community, which is a win-win situation. Remember, folks, you can’t beet the freshness of locally sourced ingredients!

Screen-Free Mealtime: Just the Veggies, Please!

Let’s spice things up a bit! The ODH suggests adopting the practice of “screen-free meals” this March, which is a fancy way of saying ‘put down your devices and pick up a fork.’ It’s time to swap out the social media scrolling for some family bonding over fresh, healthy dishes. As Mike Siemenski, Public Health Nutritionist at ODH, says, “You could try cooking a new, healthy recipe with others, and then sit down to enjoy the meal all together!” Talk about making great thyme with your family!

Why not share a family recipe that has stood the test of time, or venture into the wild world of new flavors you heard about from your coworker? The culinary adventure is endless—or should we say, “endless-pasta”?

ProducePERKS – Double the Fun!

Now here’s something even more exciting than that last slice of pizza—ProducePERKS! This incredible nonprofit initiative is putting a delicious twist on healthy eating by offering a dollar-to-dollar match on all produce purchases for up to $25 for those using SNAP/EBT cards. If you spend $25 on fruits and veggies, you’ll get an additional $25 worth of produce—absolutely free! It’s a deal you can’t “turnip” your nose at!

These perks are available at participating farmers’ markets and grocery stores around Ohio. So, if you’re wondering where to find fresh veggies, don’t worry, just click here and let the hunt begin!

Fresh Opportunities with WIC

Another gem in the Ohio health toolbox is the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Starting this June, eligible families can score coupons to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from their favorite local farmers. It’s a chance to turn “farm to table” into “farm to family”!

But WIC isn’t just about fruits and vegetables—oh no! They also offer nutrition education, lactation support, and guidance for moms navigating the sometimes tricky waters of parenting. So many resources, so little time!

Health at Every Turn

The ODH isn’t letting anyone leave the table hungry. They provide a Health Promotion Program that aids Ohioans in accessing healthy and affordable foods. Whether it’s through food service guidelines that enhance meal options at work sites or the Farm to School program promoting local food for youngsters, health is the name of the game.

And let’s not forget the innovative Produce Prescription (PRx) program. This program allows healthcare providers to prescribe free fruits and vegetables for those with chronic illnesses who might lack access to nutritious food. Talk about a prescription for health that doesn’t require a side of pancakes!

Time to Savor!

As we march through this month of nutrition, remember: every meal is an opportunity to connect—whether it’s with family or fresh local produce. Let’s toast with our green smoothies to good health, great food, and the lovely connections we make around the table. So what are you waiting for? Let’s put the fun back in functional eating one plate at a time!

For more information and resources on how to make the most of National Nutrition Month, check out what’s cooking in your community here. And always remember, friends: Lettuce celebrate good health!

Celebrating National Nutrition Month: Ohio’s Initiatives for Healthy Eating