March is National Nutrition Month!
This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” reminds us that food is more than just sustenance. It’s a universal language that reflects our health, memories, traditions, and cultural identities.
At ADHS, we believe that healthy eating is key to a vibrant life. Eating a variety of nutritious foods and staying active gives us the energy to pursue our passions and live life to the fullest. And the good news? Healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up flavor – what’s good for you can also be delicious!
We know that making nutritious choices can sometimes feel overwhelming. Yet small, consistent steps can make a big difference. Instead of focusing on individual meals, aim for balance over time. If you’re struggling to include enough fruits and vegetables in your diet, you’re not alone. In 2021, many Arizonans fell short of daily fruit and vegetable recommendations—but ADHS is here to help by providing information and resources to make healthy choices easier. The AZ Health Zone (AZHZ) provides a variety of free recipes that feature a wide variety of foods and flavors.
We also know that access to nutritious, affordable food isn’t the same for everyone. In 2022, more than 963,000 Arizonans–including 293,000 children–faced food insecurity. That’s why ADHS is committed to addressing food access across the state. To help fulfill that need, the ADHS Women, Infant, and Children Program (WIC) provides nutritious food and support to families across the state.
Every month, WIC serves 148,000 pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children across the state. The AZ Health Zone also supports over 70 communities. Through grocery store tours, community gardens, nutrition education, and cooking classes, AZHZ helps families make informed, healthy choices.
ADHS also partners with the Department of Economic Security and the Department of Education to ensure consistent messaging and promotion of all the programs that support access to nourishing foods. You can review this resource for information about the nutrition programs available to Arizona families. The Arizona Food Access Map also helps identify areas of greatest need and locates retailers who accept SNAP and WIC.
National Nutrition Month is a great time to explore the many roles food plays in our lives. We encourage you to try new cuisines, share family recipes, and appreciate Arizona’s diverse culinary heritage. Together, we can make healthy eating a reality for all Arizonans.
For more information, updates, and resources on nutrition and public health programs, visit azdhs.gov.
