Food: From Farm to Fork

This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month inspires us to look “Beyond the Table” when thinking about our health and the environment.

The choices we make daily, including what we eat and drink, can make a big difference to our health -- now and in the future.  The “Beyond the Table” theme encourages people to think about nutrition from the standpoint of farm to fork. It takes into consideration the entire cycle of our food -- from producing and distributing items to strolling the aisles of the grocery stores and farmer’s markets. It also addresses home food safety, including food storage.

The theme also encourages us to think about how we eat. And that’s not always around the dinner table. We eat in the car, at school, in restaurants, at sporting events, and summer festivals and concerts, among other places.

Consider these tips for the many ways we buy and consume food:

• Stay nourished on a budget.
  • Check out all the nutrition and wellness tips MSU Extension offers, including budget-friendly recipes, gardening tips, and more.
• For your individual nutrition needs, see a registered dietitian nutritionist.
  • Ask your doctor for a referral.
  • You can also find a registered dietitian nutritionist online.
• Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.
  • Try healthier version of cultural foods. Remember, traditional southern foods offer numerous health benefits.
• Eat with the environment in mind.
  • Shopping locally or growing food at home is a great starting point.

National Nutrition Month is a great time to implement nutrition practices that can improve your health. 

For more information about National Nutrition Month and food and nutrition, visit The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.