March is National Nutrition Month, and Northern Nevada Public Health is using it to spotlight how everyday food choices can shape long-term health in Washoe County.
The annual campaign, established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages individuals and families to make informed food choices and build healthy eating and physical activity habits that last a lifetime.
This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” centers on the role food and beverages play in supporting both individual and community well-being. Health officials say the foods people choose each day can help them grow, heal, and thrive.
Northern Nevada Public Health is encouraging people to eat from all food groups to maintain balanced nutrition, add variety within each group to get a broad range of nutrients, and avoid fad diets that rely on restrictions or promise quick results. Officials say those approaches often do not lead to lasting habits and can result in nutrient deficiencies.
The agency’s Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Programand Women, Infants, and Children Program work throughout the year to promote healthy eating and active living across Washoe County.
The WIC program is a federal assistance program that provides nutritious foods, individualized nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to health and social services. It is available to income-eligible pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, as well as infants and children up to age five.
In Washoe County, the NNPH WIC program serves more than 3,100 participants. Of those, 56% are children, 23% are infants, and 21% are women. Participants receive nutrition guidance tailored to their needs, including support during pregnancy, breastfeeding, introducing solid foods, or addressing picky eating. Those who need more help are referred to a registered dietitian.
WIC services are available in Reno and Incline Village. People can begin the application process online by answering a few questions to determine eligibility.
The Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention (CDIP) team also works in schools to provide nutrition education, partners with local convenience stores through an initiative known as Grab Healthy to expand access to healthier options, and promotes active transportation such as walking and cycling.
As part of the month’s activities, the program will host a schoolwide healthy food tasting event at Lincoln Park Elementary School on March 20. Students will sample nutritious foods and receive educational materials during their lunch hour.
More information about healthy eating and active living resources in Washoe County is available at gethealthywashoe.com.
