It's that time of year again.... March is National Nutrition Month and Put Your Best Fork Forward is the theme.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes March as a month to put extra special emphasis on the importance and benefits of nourishing our bodies well.

For sure, in Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant, AIAN, and Child Care Partnerships, we promote sound nutrition and healthy eating every day... But March is a month to put extra --and possibly fun-- emphasis on it for children, families, and staff.

If you would like a few ideas to try or adapt please go to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics e-article "36 Ideas to Get Involved in NNM." The Schools or Workplaces section highlights some powerful and fun ideas, including some Worksite Wellness applications.

The ideas and resources can assist your program with meeting the requirement 1302.46 Family support services for health, nutrition, and mental health (b) Opportunities. (1) (ii) Discuss their child’s nutritional status with staff, including the importance of physical activity, healthy eating, and the negative health consequences of sugar-sweetened beverages, and how to select and prepare nutritious foods that meet the family’s nutrition and food budget needs.

You might encourage your RDN (Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist) to get involved in helping spearhead a few of the ideas.

Have a happy, healthy National Nutrition Month!

 ----------------------------------------

Paula Mydlenski, MS, RDN, CDN
Training & Technical Assistance Specialist

T/TAS can provide onsite and distance T/TA to your program
Contact T/TAS at 800-882-7482 or ttas.info@wku.edu
Visit us online at www.ttas.org