As we enter the warmer weather, National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to spotlight the important role nutrition plays in our everyday lives. Reflecting on our eating habits and making more intentional choices are some ways that we can start to get the ball rolling during this month to improve long-term wellness. Taking the time to sit down and understand how food can affect us, whether it's energy, productivity, or mood, is a key step to launching us into better habits. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics emphasizes the importance of balanced diets and mindful eating habits reporting that nearly 90% of all Americans do not meet the recommended amounts of daily vegetables, and most fall short with fruits as well. To help with this, public health organizations advocate strategies like meal prepping and planning to maintain control over portions and ensure proper nutrition.
Proper nutrition is about fueling your body in the right ways for optimal performance. In addition to getting enough sleep and regular exercise, research has shown that eating habits correlate extremely closely with the prevention of chronic disease. The CDC reports that healthy eating helps lower the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, as well as some cancers, while also supporting stronger bones and boosting the immune system. Simple steps, such as increasing whole grains, limiting sugar intake, and eating greens, can make a significant difference in a person's overall health. Staying properly hydrated is also very important for digestion and nutrient absorption. Most adults and teens should aim for around 8 cups or 64 ounces daily. For more information on nutrition and practical tips on how to incorporate these practices into your life, check out Nutrition.gov
As we step into a new season of wellness, it is important to remember that building healthier habits is a great long-term investment. Even small improvements can have huge impacts over time. By taking advantage of these tools and staying intentional about our choices, we can keep the momentum from March and carry it into the rest of the year.
Celebrating Nutrition in Schools
Looking for a way to celebrate National Nutrition Month in your school? Take a page from one of our Northern Region WSCC Grantee Schools, President Barack Obama PS 34’s following initiatives!
- Water Wellness Wednesday provided every student with a water bottle and encouraged activities and education consistent with the importance of hydration throughout the day.
- The “Party Cart” - convert a lunch tray cart into a mobile dance party that visits each classroom, providing students with extra opportunities during the school day for movement and fun.
- Host a smoothie contest - a delicious way to teach students about fresh ingredients and inspire them to try new, nutrient-packed foods.
For additional inspiration, schools can reference the USDA Team Nutrition Popular Events Idea Booklet, which gives a wide range of themed wellness events, school success stories, and handouts to help spark new activities throughout the month.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). MMWR: Vol. 71, No. 1 [PDF]. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/pdfs/mm7101a1-H.pdf
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Healthy eating: For adults. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/php/resources/healthy-eating-benefits-for-adults.html#content
Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (n.d.). Water. The Nutrition Source. https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/water/
U.S. Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Nutrition.gov. https://www.nutrition.gov/
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service. (2025). Team Nutrition Popular Events Idea Booklet [PDF]. https://www.fns.usda.gov/tn/popular-events-idea-booklet