March is National Nutrition Month, a time to celebrate healthy eating and raise awareness about the importance of good nutrition. This year’s theme, “Food Connects Us,” highlights the powerful role food plays in bringing people together. From sharing meals with family and friends to fostering a sense of community through nutrition education, food is the common thread that unites us all.

Food is more than just sustenance. It’s a way for communities to bond, celebrate, and support one another. Whether it’s cooking together, sharing meals, or teaching others how to prepare certain recipes, food strengthens relationships. According to research, “the spread of health behaviors, such as eating habits, can ripple through social networks, suggesting that individuals are influenced by those around them” (Christakis & Fowler).

Food’s power to connect extends far beyond the act of sharing a meal. It’s about creating inclusive, healthy food systems that benefit everyone.

Connect with food in your community by visiting a local farmer’s market. Ask how food was grown or raised. Learn about resources that offer access to healthy food, such as SNAP, WIC, or local food banks. Consider starting a community garden. Initiatives and resources like these help build stronger communities by creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

A program that embodies the spirit of connection through food is the Poe Center’s Cooking with MyPlate Challenge. This program uses a fun, interactive, competitive team approach to teach participants about the importance of good nutrition while promoting teamwork and collaboration. By incorporating the MyPlate guidelines, participants learn healthy cooking strategies, gain an understanding of reading nutrition labels, and practice food safety.

Host your own “MyPlate Challenge:” gather your friends and family, divide into teams, and pick a healthy recipe. Take a look at ChopChop Magazine for nutritious family-friendly recipes. Make that recipe in teams, using MyPlate to identify food groups as you go. Taste-test your creations after and decide on a winner. There can be more than one winner – create awards for best-tasting, most creative, best teamwork, and more. Talk through what you liked, what was difficult, and what you learned about healthy eating.

Programs such as the Cooking with MyPlate Challenge show how food can encourage connection by blending education with fun, hands-on experiences. When people are given the knowledge and resources to make healthier food choices, they’re more likely to share that knowledge with others, creating a ripple effect. “People’s behaviors are contagious and can affect social networks, including dietary habits” (Christakis & Fowler).

It’s a great opportunity to foster a sense of pride and connection to your cultural background, while promoting well-being for future generations. Families who bond through meals in this way are empowered to make better choices at home, children carry healthy habits to school, and communities as a whole begin to see the positive impact of a collective focus on nutrition.