BY MARYAM SHAYEGH, MPA, RDN, NUTRITION AND WELLNESS COORDINATOR

March is National Nutrition Month, which focuses attention on healthful eating and proper nutrition. For the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE), it is also a time to reaffirm its commitment to raising awareness and promoting proper nutrition for all students and closing equity gaps in health and academic achievement.

In a resolution designating March as National Nutrition Month, LACOE and the LA County Board of Education highlight the positive impact of proper nutrition on students’ overall health and wellbeing, as well as learning and achievement.

They emphasize the importance of federal nutrition programs in addressing the nutritional needs of students and expanding the hunger safety net for children.

LACOE and the Board of Education also recognize the vital role of registered dietitians, nutritionists and other nutrition professionals in providing nutrition education and improving access to healthy local foods, while reducing food loss and waste.

From a climate change perspective, they acknowledge that food choices and food waste play a large role in planetary health as they determine the CO2 emissions from the food system. (See related story, Nutrition and Climate Change)

LACOE’s Nutrition and Wellness Unit commends schools in LA County for providing excellent service and continuous access to school meals and snacks, especially during this health crisis. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started two years ago, school food service professionals, school leaders and staff have been on the frontlines providing nutritious meals that support students and families.

RESOURCES

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which established National Nutrition Month, has shared a campaign toolkit.

Learn more about National Nutrition Month and access the toolkit
Eat Right infographics
Learn about registered dietitian nutritionists
Read the Board of Education resolution