Food Connects Us: Celebrating National Nutrition Month®

March is National Nutrition Month^®, making it a great time to learn about making healthy food choices and building good eating habits. This year’s theme, "Food Connects Us," reminds us how food brings people together. Let’s explore what this means and how we can use food to make our lives and communities better.

What Does "Food Connects Us" Mean?

Food is something we all share. It gives us energy and keeps us healthy, but it also helps us feel close to others. Whether it’s cooking a family meal, having dinner with friends or trying food from another country, food has a special way of bringing us closer and creating moments that matter.

How Did National Nutrition Month^® Start?

National Nutrition Month^® started in 1973 as a week-long event created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In 1980, it became a month-long celebration to teach people about eating healthy and staying well. Each year, the theme changes to inspire new ideas. This year, the focus is on how food connects us all.

What’s the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Opens in a new tab or window) is the world’s largest group of food and nutrition experts. Its members include registered dietitians (RDs) and registered dietetic technicians (DTRs) who help people live healthier lives. They offer tips, set standards for healthy eating and support programs that promote better nutrition for everyone.

How Does Kroger Health Celebrate National Nutrition Month^®?

We’re joining the celebration by helping people learn about eating well. We’re organizing events, sharing nutrition tips and offering tools to make healthy food choices easier. Some of the services we offer include:

• Virtual nutrition counseling with registered dietitians.
• Cooking demonstrations to show how to make healthy meals.
• Online tools to help with easy meal planning and grocery shopping.

How Does Kroger Help People Eat Healthier?

We strive to make eating well simple and affordable for everyone. Here’s how we can help:

• OptUP^®: A free tool to help you pick healthy foods and track your progress when shopping.
• Registered Dietitian Services: Nutrition experts who give personalized advice and help solve nutrition challenges.
• Community Programs: Food drives, partnerships with food banks and workshops to teach people about good nutrition.

How Can We Connect Through Food?

Food is a wonderful way to make friends and spend time with loved ones. Here are some ideas:

• Hold a Cultural Food Gathering: Invite friends and family to share dishes. Discuss the recipes and what they mean to you.
• Cook Together: Work as a team to prepare a meal. Cooking with others is fun and brings people closer.
• Eat Together: Whether it’s dinner at home or lunch with coworkers, sharing a meal helps build stronger relationships.
• Join Community Events: Attend farmers’ markets, food festivals or cooking classes to meet new people who love food as much as you do.

Recipes for Easy Family Meals

We’ve got plenty of easy meals and healthy recipes to try with your family. Here are a few favorites:

• Sheet Pan Garlic Chicken: A one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
• Baked Veggie Pasta: A nutritious twist on a classic dish with added vegetables.
• Turkey Taco Couscous Bowls: A fun, customizable meal the whole family will enjoy.
• Chicken and Vegetable Stir-fry: Packed with fresh vegetables and lean protein, this meal comes together in minutes.
• Overnight Oats: A nutritious and convenient breakfast option that’s easy to prepare.

Make March Meaningful

National Nutrition Month^® is a chance to celebrate how food connects us all. By eating healthy, learning about other cultures and sharing meals with others, we can make stronger connections and create positive change. This March, let’s come together and show how food truly brings us closer — one meal at a time.

Schedule a nutrition counseling session with one of our registered dietitians today.

_{Disclaimer: This information is educational only and is not meant to provide healthcare recommendations. Please see a healthcare provider.}