March is National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month

In March, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program is joining with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to encourage Michiganders to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits during National Nutrition Month. 

“The 2023 theme, Fuel for the Future, encourages everyone to eat with sustainability in mind,” said Christina Herring, WIC Director. “It is a reminder to fill our bodies with healthy foods during every phase of life as well as protect the environment.”

Fuel for the Future highlights ways everyone can eat with the environment in mind, such as enjoying more plant-based meals and snacks, buying food in season, shopping locally, or starting a container or backyard garden to grow food at home. 

During National Nutrition Month, the Michigan WIC Program encourages everyone to eat a variety of foods from all food groups and in various forms, including fresh, frozen and canned food. In addition, Michiganders are encouraged to include their favorite cultural foods and traditions, avoid fad diets promoting unnecessary restriction and practice gratitude for their body by giving it the fuel it needs.

WIC is a federally funded program that serves low-income women, infants and children up to age five by providing nutritious food, nutrition education, breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health and other services. WIC foods are selected to meet nutrient needs such as calcium, iron, folic acid, and vitamins A and C.

WIC also provides families with access to registered dietitians or registered dietitian nutritionists. These food and nutrition experts specialize in assessing one’s unique needs and providing personalized nutrition education and counseling to meet individual health goals.

To learn more about WIC or find an agency near you, call 211 or visit Michigan.gov/WIC.