GET READY FOR MARCH - NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH!

National Nutrition Month^® is a nutrition education campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In addition, National Nutrition Month^® promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based food and nutrition information.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, also celebrated in March, increases awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDNs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

2017 NNM Theme

"Put Your Best Fork Forward" is the theme for NNM 2017 which serves as a reminder that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small changes during National Nutrition Month® and over time, helps improve health now and into the future. As nutrition experts, Academy members can help guide the public on gradually shifting toward healthier eating styles by promoting NNM activities and messages during March. Be sure to visit the Academy's National Nutrition Month® website during the upcoming months for new and updated resources to help make the NNM 2017 celebration an infinite success! For more information on NNM and promotional resources, visit www.eatright.org.

 · Create a "nutrition question of the day" contest. Suggested prizes: NNM pens, pencils, magnets, buttons or cooking items from the NNM catalog.

· Vote for your favorite fruits and vegetables: Offer a selection of fruits and vegetables cut into bite-size pieces. Ask participants to vote for their favorite vegetable and fruit. Post a tally board to record votes.

· Spend some time reading labels and comparing information in the Nutrition Facts panels.

· Start a school vegetable garden by planting seeds indoors or in the ground.

· Take a field trip to a farmers market or a local farm.

· Develop a lesson plan that explains the science behind ingredients needed for baking.

· Assign a school group project that involves each group researching one of the food groups, allowing each                child to explain a food from that food group and what nutrition it provides.

· Develop a school project that involves kids drawing and creating a meal based on MyPlate, using the Choose MyPlate Coloring Page.

· Organize a sports nutrition education session after school or during gym class.

· Highlight ethnic and cultural food traditions by having an international event with NNM posters or banners, table tents and balloons.

FOR MORE IDEAS, VISIT www.eatright.org.    Courtesy of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics