Food Connects Us – National Nutrition Month 2025

Food has a deep meaning for me, not just because I am a nutritionist but also because of the way that food connects us. Sharing a meal can not only foster better food choices but can also improve mental and physical health. That’s why I love this year’s National Nutrition Month theme: “Food Connects Us.” 

National Nutrition Month is a month-long observance occurring every March initiated in 1973. It encourages people to explore how to make better food choices, eat healthier, and stay active. Throughout the month, everyone is encouraged to focus on building better eating and physical activity habits for long-term health.

Food is not only a source of nourishment for our bodies, but it also plays a vital role in our emotional well-being. Research even suggests that sharing meals with loved ones can reduce stress and increase feelings of happiness. This makes sense when we think about how food has always been a part of human interactions.

Let’s look at ways we can foster connection through food this National Nutrition Month. 

How social dining can improve our physical health

In the 1950s and 60s, eating together was a normal part of life. These days, those connections are fading as people eat quickly, grab food on the go, eat alone at their desks or in front of the TV, or stare at their phones. Whether or not this loss of connectedness through food is a factor in growing obesity rates is not known, but it is possible that it could play a part. After all, eating mindfully has been linked to healthier eating behavior in some studies.

It can also make a difference in our food choices. For example, if we are cooking a meal for others, we might be more mindful of the ingredients we purchase, choosing higher-quality farm to fork produce from farmer’s markets rather than packaged items from grocery stores. We may also prepare meals from more of the food groups, particularly when dealing with those with dietary requirements or fussy eaters. This can improve the nutrient profile of a meal with a wider variety of vitamins and minerals from different food sources.

The psychological benefits of eating together

Imagine a family sitting at the dinner table, passing food around, telling stories, and laughing together. This is something that happens in homes all over the world. Sharing a meal strengthens relationships in a way few other activities can. It’s a chance to talk, listen, and connect. For kids, family dinners provide stability and a sense of comfort. They also help children learn skills like table manners, how to hold conversations, and how to interact with others. And, of course, there’s something special about enjoying Grandma’s chicken soup that makes everyone feel closer.

Sharing meals can impact mental health, giving people comfort and support during stressful or uncertain times. Eating together creates a break from the pressures of daily life, allowing everyone to relax and connect with each other. Communal dining has been found to boost mood and happiness, as spending time with others can help reduce feelings of loneliness.

How to create connection through food this National Nutrition Month

Creating connection through food is easier said than done for some people, especially if they lead busy lifestyles. Making time for social dining might feel challenging, but it can be done with some simple planning and creativity.

• Try to incorporate some traditional dining practices from other cultures. For example, in Spain, there is tapas-style dining, where small, shareable plates are passed around the table. This encourages conversation and interaction while enjoying a variety of dishes and nutrients. 
• Find some friends or family that have similar health goals and arrange weekly meals either at a restaurant or at someone’s home. Sharing food not only exposes us to a broader spectrum of nutrients, but it can also make for a fun topic of conversation as we draw out our inner food critics This can support better nutrition habits. It promotes healthier eating as everyone is on the same page when it comes to choosing meals that fit their health needs.
• Try to arrange a themed cooking night with the family. Pick a country the week before and plan a menu. Get the kids involved in shopping for the ingredients and then cooking on the day. I do this with some friends, and some of us even dress up in the country’s clothes or colors for the occasion.
• Host a potluck. These events don’t just have to be for things like Christmas. A potluck is a great way to be social but also to spread the workload as each attendee cooks only one dish. It is a great way to share new recipes as well as try a wide variety of foods.
• Join a community garden. A community garden is a place where locals can come together to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. It’s not only a great way to get some fresh produce but also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests. Better yet, cook a tasty dish with the produce collected and share it around!
• Attend a cooking class. Whether it’s learning how to make homemade pasta or mastering the art of sushi rolling, attending a cooking class is a great way to expand your culinary skills while also meeting new people. Plus, you get to enjoy the delicious meals you create together!

FAQs

How accurate are food nutrition labels?

Food labels are provided by manufacturers and overseen by the FDA, but they aren’t always exact. The FDA permits up to a 20% margin of error.

What is the meaning of farm to fork?

Farm to fork is all about creating a direct link between farmers and consumers. Instead of going through grocery stores or distributors, this approach allows farmers to sell their meats and produce straight to families. It helps foster trust and transparency, giving customers a better understanding of where their food comes from and how it’s grown or raised. Plus, it encourages stronger relationships with loyal customers who value fresh, locally sourced products.

Is nutrition.gov a reliable source of information?

The nutrition.gov website is considered to be a reliable source of scientifically backed information on nutrition and healthy eating. It is managed by the National Agricultural Library, which is a part of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Where can I find good-quality information on food and nutrition?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) shares reliable, science-based information about food and nutrition. They focus on keeping the public informed about the latest research, weight-loss tips, food safety, nutrition topics, and ways to prevent diseases. Their website also offers helpful advice and easy tips for planning and cooking healthy meals.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) website’s nutrition and fitness section offers reliable information on healthy living and the latest health updates. It includes tools to help with meal planning, staying active, managing weight, and setting diet goals. Visitors can also find tips for staying healthy at any age, advice on preventing diseases, and details about common health concerns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shares the latest information and tips about public health and nutrition. They cover topics like healthy eating, cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity, alcohol use, breastfeeding, and nutrition for babies and toddlers. They also provide advice on food safety, exercise, and tobacco use.