Holiday Calendar
410 saved#227 of 6,224

National Nutrition Month

An awareness observance in March promoting nutrition education and healthy eating habits.

Monday
1–31
March 2027
Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team
Have an update or spot an error?
YEARLY DATEAll of March
OBSERVED INUnited States
CATEGORYHealth
SUBCATEGORYNutrition
ORIGIN

Institutional Initiative

FOUNDING ENTITY
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
FIRST OBSERVED
1973
HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics launched National Nutrition Week in 1973 to educate the public on nutrition and informed food choices, later expanding it to a month-long observance in 1980.

Institutional Recordvia eatright.org
INTRO

Introduction

It's time to get healthy and make good food choices as we celebrate National Nutrition Month on March 1! This yearly event, established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973, is a great reminder that all of us should be more mindful of our diets. Making smart food choices can help with weight management, reduce risks for illnesses and diseases, improve moods and energy levels, and even increase lifespan. So get ready to take your diet to the next level this National Nutrition Month – you'll be glad you did!

Advertisement

TIMELINE

National Nutrition Month Timeline

Establishment of AND

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), initially known as the American Dietetic Association, was established to progress the science of nutrition and dietetics.

Creation National Nutrition Week

The AND launched National Nutrition Week to escalate public awareness on the significance of good nutrition.

First Dietary Guidelines

The first Dietary Guidelines for Americans was published, provididng crucial nutrition advice to the general public.

National Nutrition Month Established

National Nutrition Week was expanded to a month and renamed National Nutrition Month, promoting nutrition education and information countrywide.

National 5 A Day

The National 5 A Day for Better Health program advocated the consumption of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.

Let's Move Campaign

First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let's Move campaign, fostering a healthy lifestyle among the youth to tackle childhood obesity.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

EDITOR'S PICK

Cook a healthy meal

Try a new healthy recipe and enjoy the delicious flavor of nutritious ingredients. Look up some recipes online or find a cookbook that features healthy meals.

GROW

Grow your own food

Start your own vegetable garden or start a compost heap to give back to the earth. This is a great way to get fresh, organic produce right in your own backyard.

EAT

Eat out healthy

Check out local restaurants that offer healthy options, or try cooking at home with locally sourced ingredients. Eating out can be just as nutritious as eating at home.

EDUCATE

Educate yourself on nutrition

Read books, magazines, or online articles about nutrition and healthy eating habits. Learning about nutrition will help you make better decisions when it comes to food.

MAKE

Make a healthy snack

Pack yourself a nutritious snack for work or school that is sure to keep you full and energized throughout the day. Try making homemade trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Nutrition Month is Important

Nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is key for controlling your weight. Consuming too many calories or unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain, while eating fewer calories than you need may cause you to lose weight unintentionally. Eating the right amount of good quality food can help you keep your energy levels up while avoiding unnecessary excess calorie intake.

Nutrition has a significant impact on overall health

The food we consume every day has an enormous impact on our overall health. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet may help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. A healthy and well-rounded diet can also provide us with the nutrients needed to meet our daily energy needs, boost immunity, and improve physical performance.

Good nutrition helps protect against disease

Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for protecting against various illnesses and diseases. For example, consuming foods rich in vitamin C can help to boost immunity and ward off colds, while increasing your intake of certain B vitamins may help to fight fatigue and depression. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also reduce the risk of cancer.

FOR MARKETERS & CREATORS

Turn every day into a moment your audience actually shows up for.

8.4M
Monthly readers
5K+
Holidays tracked