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March is National Nutrition Month! Throughout the month of March, dietitians in the community invite everyone to learn more about nutrition and how food choices affect our health. This year’s theme, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is Food Connects Us. Food provides a way to connect to our past, to others in the community, and to our health. Preparing meals can bring up memories of the past and can remind us of family and cultural traditions. Consuming a meal with others also promotes conversation. It is important to learn about how food was prepared, what ingredients are used, and where the food was sourced. Furthermore, the food choices we make contribute to the health of our bodies. A well-rounded diet consisting of all food groups is ideal for optimal health.

Connection to Our Past, Culture, Heritage

Food can reflect culture and community, and traditional recipes that are passed down through generations represent family history and values. Connecting to other cultures can easily be done through the dining experience. Specific foods or meals can remind us of regions around the world as well. Specifically, pasta traditionally is connected to Italian culture and tradition while croissants are traditionally connected to French culture.

More traditional dishes that are connected to cultures around the world:

• Pad Thai (Rice noodles, protein, bean sprout, and peanuts topped with a creamy fish and soy sauce) → Thailand
• Poutine (Cheese curds and fries topped with gravy) → Canada
• Gelato (Similar to ice cream but creamier and made with egg yolks) → Italy
• Curry (Blend of spices and coconut milk served over rice with meat or vegetables) → India
• Goulash (soup made with meat, vegetables, and noodles) → Hungary
• Bratwurst and Sauerkraut (Brats made of pork, veal, or beef, with salted, pickled cabbage) → Germany

Connection to the Community

Enjoying a meal with others can provide connection and promote conversation. One community program that offers both meals and connections for older adults is Congregate Meals. Congregate Meals promote the health of older adults in the community by providing meals at no cost to the participant (donations are accepted). There are over 40 Congregate Meal sites in the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan’s 9-county region. Individuals 60 years of age and older can participate in Congregate Meal programs. Meals are provided in senior centers, churches, schools, senior housing facilities, restaurants, and other community settings. Eating with others provides many benefits. Studies have shown that eating with others improves eating habits, promotes healthy body weight, promotes social support and well-being, and improves our physical health. Not only do Congregate Meal sites offer meals, and activities, such as exercise classes, games. and crafts. A congregate dining site in your county can be found here:  Find Services Available in Your Area | AAAWM

Connection to Our Health

There are many foods that are well known for providing health benefits such as fruits, vegetables, dairy, and grains. Specifically, blueberries are beneficial to brain health and slow the brain’s aging process. Similarly, carrots are a rich source of a pigment called beta-carotene which is responsible for maintaining clear eyesight. Many of us know that the foods we chose to consume each day contribute to the condition of our physical and mental health along with genetic and lifestyle factors. Although not every food is nutrient-dense, all food provides some benefit to our bodies whether it is a nutritional benefit or a sense of fullness and satisfaction.