National Nutrition Month
Published on February 29, 2024
Our local community blueprint, known as SA Forward, aims to have better and healthier food systems. Better food systems offer choices that are culturally relevant, are easy to get to, and are healthy. One of the key areas in SA Forward is Food Insecurity and Nutrition, with a goal to address food deserts and reduce chronic diseases.
March is National Nutrition Month! Metro Health invites you to go Beyond the Table to celebrate food and its role in health and wellness.
National Nutrition Month® started in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Metro Health encourages everyone to learn about nutrition and increase physical activity habits.
The theme is "Beyond the Table," showing the journey of nutrition, from food being made to buying it at stores and farmers markets. It also highlights home food safety, storage practices, and the various ways we eat. Not only around a dinner table, but also on-the-go, at schools, restaurants, and events.
Savor Your Health
Stay nourished on any budget by eating a variety of colorful foods that include your favorite cultural foods and traditions. Metro Health offers information and resources to help you and your family "savor your health."
¡Viva Health! Nourished on Any Budget Community Conversations
Our Community Nutrition program invites the community to engage in free ¡Viva Health! workshops. These one-hour conversations are facilitated by Community Health Workers (CHWs). They educate on the importance of adding more fruits and vegetables in ways that honor an individual's lifestyle and culture.
To learn more, or to schedule a ¡Viva Health! Community Conversation, please email the Community Nutrition program or call 210-207-2722.
¡Viva Health! Wellness Workshops
Metro Health's Nutrition and Diabetes Prevention Programs offer a free seven-week workshop. The workshop will help you eat better, live healthier and longer. With better nutrition and exercise, you can prevent, delay, and manage diseases like diabetes. Visit the ¡Viva Health! Wellness Workshops page for more information.
Food Benefits
WIC offers monthly food packages to buy foods that help families get the nutrients they need. WIC foods get selected for their high nutritional value as well as for their low cost. You will receive a combination of these foods depending on your needs. For more information on how to enroll, visit the WIC benefits page.
Staff at WIC educate the community on how healthy nutrition develops a healthier family. WIC offers in-person and virtual classes.
Restaurant Choices
There are many places offering a wide variety of nutritious food choices. Metro Health's ¡Por Vida! program is making it easier to find local restaurants that have healthy menu options. Restaurants get chosen for their healthy menu items, cleanliness, sustainability, and community give-back.
Grow Your Own Food or Seek Out Local Markets
One of the best ways to eating better is learning how to grow your own food or buying freshly grown fruits and vegetables from a local farm market. Metro Health's Healthy Neighborhoods program offers gardening classes in targeted communities.
There are currently three Spring Garden events planned in March 2024. Individuals will learn gardening tips. To learn more, contact the Healthy Neighborhoods program at 210-207-7061.
Spring Garden Events
Healthy Corner Stores
Metro Health's Healthy Corner Stores provide locally grown and convenient, fresh, and affordable fruit and vegetables. There are over 40 stores located in neighborhoods across San Antonio.
Food Safety
Looking Beyond the Table is also about preventing food poisoning and ensuring meals are safe to eat. Metro Health's Food and Environmental program offers tips on how to make sure food is safe to consume.