March is National Nutrition Month. The Virginia Women, Infant and Children (WIC) program is observing the Month by spotlighting staff and healthy recipes on social media and in an electronic newsletter.
This year’s theme is “Beyond the Table.” The idea is to focus on nutritious food and the environment. The theme was adopted to encourage healthy eating as well as to bring attention to food waste.
First, let’s talk about the benefits of eating healthy food. Good nutrition can lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes, improve your digestive system, boost your immunity, and help manage your weight.
Second, and in keeping with the theme for this month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says eating healthy food can also help cut down on waste. Below are some tips to get you started.
- Start small. Try planting a few herbs and leafy greens. Foods that are easier to grow.
- If space is tight, try container gardening in a sunny window patio or balcony.
- Try making compost a natural fertilizer, from vegetable peelings, fruit cores, coffee grinds, or leftover food scraps that don’t contain meat, dairy or cooked foods.
For more information on composting and food waste, see the video from the USDA.
For other ways to celebrate NNM: 50 Ideas to Get Involved in National Nutrition Month®️ (eatright.org)