Carson City March 01, 2022
The Nevada Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) encourage Nevadans to Celebrate a World of Flavors by participating in Nutrition Month in Nevada as proclaimed by Governor Steve Sisolak.
National Nutrition Month was started by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and is celebrated every March. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, DHHS, and NDA encourage everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. A healthy diet and physical activity are associated with a decreased risk for many health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some cancers, which are all among the top 10 causes of death in Nevada.
The 2022 national theme for Nutrition Month is Celebrate a World of Flavors and Nevadans are invited to embrace global cultures, cuisines, and inclusion. There are many cultures represented across Nevada and understanding cultures and traditions will help improve health inequities and disparities experienced by diverse communities.
“Addressing cultural diversity in nutrition means representing diverse food cultures, expanding the definition of healthy eating and creating culturally diverse and relevant nutrition education materials,” said Tina Dortch of the DHHS Office of Minority Health and Equity. “We need to continue to educate Nevadans and develop respectful nutrition services and partnerships to support communities.”
Throughout the month of March, the Nevada Nutrition Unit will focus on highlighting various cultures, cuisines and how to celebrate different flavors. Information will be posted and shared through Nevada Wellness Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts at @NevadaWellness.
“Just as foods vary greatly from culture to culture, so should what we describe as healthy eating,” said Sarah Rogers, MPH, Deputy Chief of the Nevada Nutrition Unit. “If our dietary guidelines are limited to just one culture’s cuisine, our message won’t be as effective. Instead, we want to express that there are a variety of healthy food options from all over the world and encourage everyone to explore the wide array of flavors and tastes available.”
Learn more about National Nutrition Month at eatright.org or visit dhhs.nv.gov and agri.nv.gov to learn about Nevada’s nutrition programs.
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About the Nevada Nutrition Unit
The Nevada Nutrition Unit encompasses the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed), Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (CDPHP) program and the Office of Food Security and Wellness. The Nutrition Unit works collaboratively with state programs to improve diet quality and address health disparities for Nevadans across all life stages. The Nutrition Unit aims to prevent obesity and chronic disease by implementing evidence-based strategies which encourage healthy eating and feeding behaviors from birth through older adulthood.
For information on food assistance programs and the Department of Health and Human Services go to dhhs.nv.gov
About the Nevada Department of Agriculture
The Nevada Department of Agriculture (NDA) mission is to preserve, protect and promote Nevada’s agriculture. The department has 150 dedicated employees providing services in its five divisions, Administration, Animal Industry, Consumer Equitability, Food and Nutrition, and Plant Industry. The department’s $232 million budget facilitates regulatory and administrative work in agriculture and food manufacturing industries, protecting public and environmental health and worker safety, and providing food distribution and oversight for the United States Department of Agriculture’s school and community nutrition programs.