Proper nutrition is vital to a growing child’s health and wellbeing. Encouraging healthy eating nourishes not only their bodies, but also supports their mental health, prevents chronic diseases, helps maintain a healthy weight, and builds healthy habits that last through adulthood. March is National Nutrition Month®, a monthlong invitation by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to learn about making nutritious food and beverage choices and reinforcing active lifestyles.
This year’s focus is “Beyond the Table,” emphasizing food’s “farm to fork” connections. Throughout this month, everyone is encouraged to plan activities to learn the importance of how food is cultivated, sourced, and responsibly handled.
Exploring a farm or local farmer’s market is a great way to understand how food is grown and locally sourced. It also supports local economies, creates a stronger community connection, and provides families access to fresher, more nutritious, diverse, and even tastier food. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) also provides recommendations on how to safely buy, store, and serve safe food.
Researchers have found that a consistently healthy diet can prevent disease and improve health outcomes. However, preparing well-balanced meals is more than just a one-size-fits-all solution. Dietary guidelines are helpful tools, but understanding your health’s subtle distinctions and consulting your doctor or a dietician is advisable, too.
You can help support your child or the children you care in developing an appetite for healthy eating habits. The USDA’s MyPlate website or app is an easy and convenient way to personalize your food plan by age, weight, height, or physical activity. You can also find new recipes based on what you have in your kitchen, learn simple shopping techniques, and set healthy food goals.
The following are budget-friendly dining resources and recipes for parents and early educators to celebrate National Nutrition Month. They are grouped by life stage, but it is also important to consider children’s developmental stages and preferences..
Infants and Breastfeeding Mothers
- Food for your Baby’s First Year (multi-lingual) – CHS Family Education Program
- EatRight.org/for baby – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Information and Resources
- WIC – Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children
Toddlers
- Introducing New Foods to Picky Eaters – CHS Blog
- EatRight.org/for toddlers – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Information and Resources
- Foods to eat when toddler is teething
- Calfresh – California’s Nutrition Assistance Program (espanol) (Chinese)
Preschoolers
- Healthiest Fast Food Choices for Your Child – CHS Blog
- EatRight.org/for preschooler – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Information and Resources
- Nutrition (multi-lingual) – CHS Family Education Program
- DGA – Dietary Guidelines for Americans
- How to read and understand nutrition labels – U.S. Food and Drug Administration
Grade School
- Staying Healthy – CHS Family Education Program
- EatRight.org/for gradeschooler – Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Information and Resources
- Easy Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for your child – CHS Blog
- Nutrition Standards for School Meals -School Nutrition Association
References and Resources
https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month
https://www.fda.gov/food/nutrition-facts-label/how-understand-and-use-nutrition-facts-label
https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/awareness-campaigns/50-ideas-to-get-involved-in-national-nutrition-month
Safe Food Handling | FDA
MyPlate | U.S. Department of Agriculture