March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that has been in effect since 1973. This year marks the 50th anniversary of National Nutrition Month. The campaign aims to help everyone make better food choices that encourage healthy eating and physical activity habits.
This year’s theme is Fuel for the Future. As a society, we need to consider our fuel for today as well as for tomorrow. This means choosing foods that not only fuel and sustain our bodies in the present but protect the environment through sustainable farming and food practices for future generations.
Sustainable eating can be a tasty way to fuel and nourish our bodies, giving us the nutrients needed for energy, vitamins, and minerals. A healthy diet also supports sustainable farming and food practices that keep our planet healthy.
Scientists and farmers focus on creating sustainable crops and food. Consumers can help create a healthy environment while eating for health.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages us to consider Fuel for the Future at the consumer level by:
- Focusing on a variety of foods to meet your nutrient demands.
- Fruit and vegetables make great snacks. Buy locally from a local farm like Merchant's Garden.
- Consider foods that are fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.
- Attend a free webinar on healthy eating basics.
- Be more environmentally friendly.
- Eat plant-based meals.
- Reduce food packaging by using glass jars to buy bulk items or alternatives to plastic produce bags.
- Buy foods on sale which usually means they are in season. (seasonal food guide)
- Grow food and herbs at home.
- Plan your food shopping.
- Check your pantry before shopping to avoid overbuying.
- Create a list to avoid an impulse purchase.
- Once in the supermarket, stay in the outer aisles to avoid processed foods.
- Know your food resources.
- Use community resources such as Produce on Wheels Without Waste (POW-WOW) to take advantage of affordable and nutritious food options that you can also share with others and the community food bank.
- There are government programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to supplement food options.
- Create yummy meals and snacks at home.
- Learn meal prep and cooking skills. This will also save money. Explore programs offered by Tucson Village Farm.
- Become creative with meals and leftovers.
Your body can store certain vitamins and minerals so the food you eat daily is used by your body now and in the future. The food you choose to eat can also have an impact economically and environmentally. Use this month to consider the ways you can eat more sustainability – for health and a sustainable future.