What Month is National Nutrition Month? Unpacking the Importance of March

November 27, 2025 •

3 min read

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics established National Nutrition Week in 1973, which later expanded to a full month. In the United States, National Nutrition Month is celebrated every March, an annual event dedicated to promoting proper nutrition and physical activity habits.

Quick Summary

March is officially National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to help the public make informed food choices and develop healthy eating habits. The month-long observance provides resources, tips, and inspiration for individuals and communities to improve their overall health through better nutrition.

Key Points

Month of Celebration: National Nutrition Month is celebrated annually in March within the United States, promoted by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Historical Context: It evolved from a one-week observance in 1973 to a full month in 1980 to expand its educational impact.
Annual Themes: The campaign features new themes each year to address different facets of nutrition and dietary health.
Actionable Tips: Easy ways to participate include planning meals, trying new foods, practicing mindful eating, and staying hydrated.
Global Recognition: While March is for the US and Canada, many other countries celebrate nutrition awareness during different times of the year.
Expert Guidance: The campaign strongly encourages consulting with a registered dietitian for personalized and professional nutritional advice.
Community Engagement: Volunteering at food banks is a way to support the campaign's message and help people facing food insecurity.

When is National Nutrition Month?

In the United States, National Nutrition Month is observed every March. This annual campaign, organized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, promotes good nutrition and physical activity. Each year features a different theme, addressing relevant nutritional topics and trends. The campaign encourages individuals and communities to prioritize their nutritional health, with dietitians and health professionals sharing information and resources.

The Origins and Evolution of National Nutrition Month

Starting as National Nutrition Week in 1973 to increase awareness of good nutrition, the campaign expanded to a full month by 1980 due to its growing impact. This expansion allowed for more comprehensive public education, moving beyond basic food choices to include healthy lifestyle behaviors and the role of dietitians. Over time, National Nutrition Month has adapted to address contemporary health issues like food insecurity, diverse diets, and the link between diet and disease prevention through its annual themes.

Why is March the Chosen Month?

While specific reasons for choosing March are not explicitly stated, its timing in early spring is beneficial. Following winter holidays, March offers a chance to focus on health goals. Spring's association with new beginnings aligns well with adopting healthier habits. This timing allows health organizations to promote wellness proactively.

How to Participate in National Nutrition Month

Participating in National Nutrition Month is straightforward and beneficial for your health. Here are some ways to get involved:

Explore new foods: Try a new fruit or vegetable.
Plan meals: Organize your meals for the week to ensure nutritious options.
Hydrate: Increase daily water intake for digestion and nutrient absorption.
Mindful eating: Focus on your food, savoring bites and recognizing hunger/fullness cues.
Seek expert advice: Consult a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
Community support: Volunteer at a local food bank to aid those with food insecurity.

Celebrating National Nutrition Month in Different Countries

While the US and Canada observe National Nutrition Month in March, other nations have their own schedules for similar campaigns. This highlights the global importance of nutrition awareness and regional adaptations.


Country	Celebration Period	Key Initiatives
United States	March	Annual campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promoting healthy food choices and physical activity.
Canada	March	Organized by Dietitians of Canada, focusing on healthy eating habits with yearly themes.
Philippines	July	National Nutrition Council addresses malnutrition and specific dietary issues.
India	September (Week)	National Nutrition Week (Sept 1-7) addresses malnutrition and promotes healthy lifestyles.
Sri Lanka	June	Ministry of Health promotes fruit and vegetable consumption to combat malnutrition.

Conclusion: Making Nutrition a Daily Priority

National Nutrition Month in March serves as a key annual reminder of nutrition's role in overall health. While a dedicated month is helpful, the aim is to integrate healthy eating and activity into daily life year-round. By making informed choices, staying active, and seeking professional help, we can improve our well-being. The campaign advocates for a positive and sustainable approach to eating, emphasizing that each meal contributes to our health.

For more resources, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website is a valuable source.

Frequently Asked Questions

National Nutrition Month is celebrated annually in the month of March in the United States.

The annual campaign is sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.

The campaign started as National Nutrition Week in 1973 and was expanded to a month-long observance in 1980.

The purpose is to raise awareness about the importance of making informed food choices, developing sound eating habits, and maintaining regular physical activity.

No, while the United States and Canada observe it in March, other countries celebrate national nutrition campaigns at different times of the year. For example, India observes National Nutrition Week in September, and the Philippines celebrates Nutrition Month in July.

During this month, various events, activities, and educational initiatives take place, providing resources like recipes, meal planning tips, and information on healthy eating and physical activity.

You can participate by trying new recipes, planning meals, staying hydrated, practicing mindful eating, meeting with a registered dietitian, or volunteering at a local food bank.