How do YOU connect through FOOD?

March is National Nutrition Month and this year’s theme is FOOD CONNECTS US! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics states that “Food is a connecting factor for many of us. Food connects us to our cultures, our families and our friends. Sharing a meal is an opportunity to learn about its preparation, who made it and where the ingredients were sourced. Health, memories, traditions, seasons and access can all impact our relationship with food. While these factors influence the foods we eat, the foods we eat also affect our health.”

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In thinking about this year’s theme, I am reminded about the many ways in which food connects me to the people around me. I treasure the evenings when my grown children gather at one of our homes and we prepare and share a meal together. Or when my friends and I travel to new cities and explore the local foods of the culture. Recently in my Trends in Nutrition class we planned, prepared, and shared a meal together. Gathering in this way, we all learned new things about our classmates that we would otherwise not have learned in our class. In checking in with students in other classes I teach, I have learned about Galentine cookie exchange parties, hot chocolate with roommates on snow days, and team pregame meals. Each of these examples are opportunities to connect us with others around us. Connecting with others offers numerous benefits, including enhanced mental and physical well-being, increased happiness, stronger social skills, and a greater sense of belonging and purpose. 

Here are some ideas from the Academy regarding the theme “Food Connects Us”:

• Invite a new friend for dinner

• Volunteer at a local Food Bank

• Visit the Durham Farmers Market

• Get to know your servers at Market Place or in the West Union

• Learn about where your food comes from

• Take a cooking class

• Visit a Duke Dietitian

Share your stories with us about How do YOU connect through FOOD?