Mar 6, 2024

By: Tabitha Benefield, RDN, Manager, Nutrition, Health & Well-being, FMI 

National Nutrition Month 2024In March we celebrate National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (the Academy). This celebration started in 1973 as National Nutrition Week and became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to a growing interest in nutrition. During March, everyone is reminded about the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme inspires us all to look Beyond the Table when thinking about food, our health and the environment with a focus on the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition. 

Key Tips to Reach Beyond the Table

  • Stay nourished on a budget: Increase awareness around food production, distribution and navigating the grocery store. Buy food in season for savings. Learn cooking, food preparation and meal planning skills. Start your own home garden or join a community garden. 

  • Eat with the environment in mind: Decrease food waste at home, school and beyond. Get creative with leftovers. Practice home food safety and storage practices.  

  • Eat various foods from all food groups: Try new foods or global cuisines, and incorporate your favorite cultural foods and traditions. Focus on an overall healthy eating pattern.  

  • Find a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): Locate a registered dietitian who specializes in your unique needs to help personalize nutrition guidance to meet your health goals. Ask your doctor for a referral or visit: Find a Nutrition Expert.  

Celebrate National Nutrition Month®

  • Promote Workshops: Encourage engagement in your company’s nutrition seminars and messaging, employee wellness initiatives and cooking classes that focus on healthy eating and inspirational recipes. 

  • Commit to a Challenge: Join with others to try a new healthy recipe every week or pledge to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet. 

  • Read and Educate: Ask an RDN or other health professional for recommendations on books or articles that enhance your knowledge about nutrition and healthy eating habits. 

  • Share Your Journey: Document your food, culinary and nutrition adventures on social media, sharing recipes, tips and milestones. 

  • Support Local: Visit farmers markets or look for foods in the grocery store provided by local producers to get fresh, nutritious ingredients and support community-based agriculture. 

This year the Academy celebrates National RDN Day on March 13 (annually celebrated on the second Wednesday of March) to honor RDNs as the nation’s food and nutrition experts and leading advocates committed to improving the health of communities everywhere. At FMI, we also honor RDNs and encourage you to take a moment to thank your registered dietitian nutritionists and celebrate the good work they do all year long for the consumers we serve.