Follow and join the conversation with #NationalNutritionMonth, #eatright, #NNMchat and #SavorTheFlavor.

Before National Nutrition Month there was National Nutrition Week.  The first National Nutrition Week campaign was launched in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association (ADA) and was viewed as as an opportunity to promote the profession as well as to serve as a vehicle for delivering nutrition education messages to the public.  “Invest in Yourself—Buy Nutrition” was the first theme of National Nutrition Week and was featured on TV and radio public service announcements, news releases, and bumper stickers.  It was also supported with a presidential proclamation.  NNW grew in popularity with the public quickly, and in 1980 the House of Delegates called for an expansion of National Nutrition Week to National Nutrition Month.  And so it began.

About the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
On January 1, 2012 The American Dietetic Association, the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals, officially changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (@eatright). Academy President Sylvia Escott-Stump noted that the change in name, “complements our focus: the nutritional well-being of the American public.”  The ADA/Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics was founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1917, by a visionary group of women dedicated to helping the government conserve food and improve the public’s health and nutrition during World War I.  Today, the Academy has over 75,000 members — registered dietitian nutritionists, dietetic technicians, registered, and other dietetics professionals holding undergraduate and advanced degrees in nutrition and dietetics, and students — and is committed to improving the nation’s health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy.

Savor the Flavor of Eating Right
There have been many themes over the years and most are influenced by the trends and culture of the time, but the Academy always remains loyal to it’s original purpose: “To increase the public’s awareness of the importance of good nutrition and position Academy members as the authorities in nutrition.”

The theme for 2016 is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” which encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives. How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods — that’s the best way to savor the flavor of eating right!

Save the Dates
Academy #NNMchat Twitter Chat Schedule
Wednesday, March 9th at 12 p.m. CST hosted by @eatrightPRO
Wednesday, March 16th at 12 p.m. CST hosted by @foodnutrimag
Monday, March 21st at 12 p.m. CST hosted by @kidseatright
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day
March 9, 2016 – The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day which honors the contributions of RDNs as food and nutrition experts. Learn more about what a registered dietitian nutritionist can do for you and find an RDN in your area on the Academy’s website.

Get Involved
To celebrate National Nutrition Month 2016 visit the Academy’s website and access their NNM Celebration toolkit. There you will find and can download a wealth of promotional materials, ideas for events, and ways to involve your community, schools. and workplaces.