March is National Nutrition Month® and this year’s theme is Food Connects Us! Meals on Wheels San Francisco is proud to provide diverse meals that support our client’s health while also celebrating cultural dishes from around the world. Food not only fuels our bodies, but it also creates a connection to our health, traditions, friends, family, and stages of our lives. Let’s explore some of the ways that Food Connects Us!
Connect with Food
Creating a connection with food can be done through choosing ingredients, cooking meals, and eating meals. When we plan meals ahead and use a grocery list to shop, we can reduce food waste and encourage more homemade meals. Shopping for produce at local farmers markets is a great way to connect with your community and understand where your food comes from. When cooking and/or eating food think about the different colors you see, aromas you smell, and textures you feel. Another tip to help connect with your food while eating is to remove distractions such as tv, phones, etc. during mealtime.
Connect with Tradition & Culture
The foods we eat differ depending on what part of the world we are in. Luckily, we live in a time where finding new recipes and flavors is easy! Try to eat your favorite cultural foods or try new global flavors this month. Asian style stir-fry, a Greek gyro, South African inspired stew, the possibilities are endless! Experiencing the flavors of other cultures connects us to our neighbors and gives us a better understanding of the world and other cultures. Think about what traditions your family or friends have and what role food plays in your life. At Meals on Wheels San Francisco, we include dishes from all over the world including Mexico, China, India, Italy, Greece, Spain, The United Kingdom, Japan, Africa, and the Philippines. We also include unique flavors found here in the United States such as Tex-Mex and Cajun seasonings.
Connect with Friends and Family
Eating with friends and family can increase the amount of food eaten during that meal, which is important for seniors. Eating together also gives us the opportunity to learn about each other and maintain or create connections with people around us. Conversations about the food we are eating, where it came from, and how it was prepared can connect us even more.
Connect Through Every Stage of Life
Nutrition needs and preferences change throughout life. To make sure you are always meeting your nutritional needs, try to eat items from all food groups. Even though we might not feel as hungry the older we get, it’s still important to eat three meals a day. Sticking to the same eating schedule everyday can ensure that we are eating enough food and building sustainable eating habits.
Connect with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a health professional certified to provide Medical Nutrition Therapy and can help you reach your health goals. If you would like to meet with a nutrition professional, ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN. If you are unable to meet with an RDN, you can get accurate nutrition information from websites such as MyPlate, American Heart Association, and American Diabetes Association.
National Nutrition Month® is a great time to connect with your food by sharing a meal with others, cooking food at home, and trying new flavors from around the globe!
References
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org. Accessed March 5, 2025. https://www.eatright.org/.
- National Nutrition Month®. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org. Accessed March 5, 2025. https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month.
