How to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

Established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign celebrated during the month of March. During the campaign, everyone is invited to learn about making healthier food choices. To make it interactive, there is a new theme each year, and this year’s theme is “Food Connects Us”.

Food can connect us in many ways: it connects us to our family, our friends, and our cultures. Take this month to focus on developing a healthy connection with food - whether it be through learning where your food comes from, trying new cultural foods, sharing more meals with friends or family, or just learning how to fuel your body for your health.

Below are some tips on how you can learn to connect more with the food you eat this month.

Learn cooking, food preparation and meal planning skills

• Cooking and meal preparation does not have to be difficult. In fact, it can be made easy and be rewarding! Planning your meals ahead of time allows an easy trip to the grocery store, and while you are shopping, pay attention to any sales. Believe it or not – when food is less processed, it is often more affordable!

• To make preparing meals even easier, make sure to keep your pantry stocked with healthy staples: Pantry Staples | ArchWell Health

• Preparing your own meals allows you to control your ingredients, and the amount you are using. This is important for older adults that need to follow specific nutritional guidance for their health. You can also add fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, or whole grains to any dish for added nutrition.

Explore where your food comes from

• Learn how your food was grown or raised. Many grocery stores carry fruit, vegetables, breads, meat and more from local businesses. You could also visit a farm-to-table restaurant in your area. Doing these activities can help you celebrate seasonal produce and support local farmers.

• Do you currently have a garden, or do you desire to start one someday? Start a plan for your seeds this month.

• Visit a local Farmer’s Market for fresh, seasonal produce. The National Farmers Market Directory is a resource you can use to find a farmers' market near you.

• Try a new type of cuisine (here are 30 fun recipe ideas to get you started) to discover new cultural foods. Whether it be going to a restaurant you have never tried before or learning a new recipe, connecting with food from another culture can be a delicious and exciting experience.

Visit or donate to a local food bank or food pantry

• Food banks and food pantries are both organizations that help relieve hunger. They focus on providing foods that have a long shelf life and do not require refrigeration.

• Food banks are nonprofit organizations that collect extra food from farms, grocery stores, or manufacturers and distribute to hunger-relief charities, such as food pantries.

• Food pantries are considered more of an emergency food program. Some are located in schools to reach kids and teens, while others are mobile and can travel to different areas in the community to help feed older adults, people with disabilities, and more.

Learn about community resources such as SNAP benefits

• SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Formerly known as food stamps, SNAP benefits allow those with lower incomes to buy nutritious food with Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that the SNAP program helps about 5 million older adults afford the healthy food they need. Learn more about where to use your SNAP benefits on the NCOA’s website: https://www.ncoa.org/article/w...;

How can seniors apply for SNAP and other food assistance? An FAQ

How do I apply for SNAP benefits?

You can find your state’s SNAP website on the US Department of Agriculture’s map. On your state SNAP website, you can find a phone number to call with questions, applications to apply for benefits, and more. Each state has its own application form. If your state’s form is not on the web, you will need to call your local SNAP office to request one.

How do I know if I am eligible for SNAP benefits?

To be eligible for SNAP benefits, you must meet your state’s requirements, including income limits. Contact your state or local SNAP office prior to applying to check for eligibility.

How do I know where my local food banks are located?

Enter your zip code using this Feeding America’s Food Bank Finder to find your nearest food bank.

You can also call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-348-6479, or to speak with a Spanish representative, call 1-877-842-6273. The hotline operates Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM Eastern Time.

Does Medicare cover groceries?

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer grocery benefits, though these benefits can be limited and may not be available where you live. Only Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) can offer grocery benefits, while Original Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) do not.

What is a Medicare Grocery Allowance or grocery benefit?

Your Medicare plan may provide a monthly, quarterly or annual allowance to help you purchase foods that keep your health on track. The list of approved foods may vary depending on the type of plan, but they typically include things like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and water. The amount of money, or “allowance” that you get to purchase food might also vary from plan to plan. If eligible, you will receive a food allowance card to make it easy to pay for groceries at the store.

Who is eligible for a grocery allowance?

Even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan that includes a grocery benefit, not everyone qualifies. The grocery allowance is usually only offered to those with special needs plans, such as D-SNPs (Dual Special Needs Plans) or C-SNPs (Chronic Condition SNPs).

For more information or resources related to National Nutrition Month, you may view or print these handouts, or visit National Nutrition Month®