National Nutrition Month 2025

Published on February 28, 2025

Food Connects Us

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! This is an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.

This year's theme is "Food Connects Us." Food is a connecting factor for many of us. Food connects us to our cultures, our families and our friends. Sharing a meal is an opportunity to learn about its preparation, who made it and where the ingredients were sourced. Health, memories, traditions, seasons and access can all impact our relationship with food. While these factors influence the foods we eat, the foods we eat also affect our health.

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! Nutrition Pláticas. 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 schedule, please visit ¡Viva Health! Community Conversation. For questions or to learn more, please email the Community Nutrition program or call 210-207-2722.

Healthy Living Workshops

Metro Health Community Nutrition Program and Diabetes Prevention Program have teamed up to 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 Healthy Living Workshops page for more information.

F.U.N. (Food Uniting Neighbors)

Join the Community Nutrition team as they bring together partners and the surrounding community to share resources, knowledge, and skills to promote nourishment and food security.

F.U.N. Event

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.

Monthly Community Gardens

The Healthy Neighborhood program hosts monthly community garden events to:

• Engage with sustainable gardening practices
• Promoting healthy eating and environmental awareness
• Connect among neighbors and local organizations

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.

To learn more about the monthly community gardens in your neighborhood, 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

Food safety and public health also includes 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.

Nutritional Recommendations for Oral Health

Good oral health starts with a balanced diet that supports strong teeth and gums. Follow these nutrition recommendations to promote oral health.

Drink Water for a Healthy Smile

Water helps keep your mouth clean by rinsing away bacteria & food. It also helps produce saliva that fights tooth decay.

Enjoy Calcium-Rich Foods

Calcium is a mineral that plays an important role in oral health. It helps strengthen tooth enamel, which protects your teeth from getting cavities.

Choose Lean Protein

Protein-rich foods contain the mineral phosphorus that plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Snack on Fruits & Vegetables

Fruits & vegetables contain fiber, vitamins & minerals that promote healthy teeth & gums.

Limit Added Sugar

Consuming foods & drinks high in sugar is a leading cause of tooth decay.

Regular dental check-ups and daily brushing and flossing are also key. If you need dental care and don't have a dentist, Metro Health's Oral Health Program connects uninsured and underinsured families with local providers.

Children who don't qualify for Medicaid or CHIP may be eligible for Title V financial dental assistance. Contact the Title V Program Liaison to learn more.

Oral Health Program