March is National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is a yearly campaign held in March that promotes healthy eating and informed food choices. Led by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it encourages balanced meals, positive nutrition habits, and better access to nutritious food for everyone!
The importance of nutritional food ranges from individual benefits such as supporting mental health, well-being and chronic disease prevention, as well as community benefits, such as resilience, connection and boosting local economies.
At Franklin County Public Health (FCPH), we’re committed to making nutrition not only fun, but also accessible by bringing programs that put nutritious food and education into the hands of our community members. Check out the ways we are bringing the fun and food to YOUR community!
Clinton Township Produce Market
During the Covid-19 pandemic, Clinton Township Community Health Action Team (CHAT) members noticed more community members facing financial barriers to access to healthy food. In collaboration with the Mid Ohio Food Collective (MOFC), the CHAT started the Clinton Township Produce Market. The market began in a parking lot and has grown into a twice-monthly drive-through market at the Clinton Township Fire Department. In 2024, the market distributed an average of 9000 fresh meals to over 300 families monthly. So far in 2025, 720 families have visited the produce market. This resource is open to anyone in need! (No zip code or income requirements).
Smoothie Bike
When the Health Promotion team is out in the community, we bring interactive activities to help start the conversation about healthy foods. When people choose and prepare their own foods, they are more likely to enjoy a healthier option. The Rock the Bike Stationary Blender Bike is a fun and interactive way to connect movement with nutrition and encourage kids to get involved with preparing their own food. At community events, both children and adults get the chance to peddle their way to making a delicious and healthy smoothie. This hands-on activity encourages children to try different fruits, greens, and allergy-friendly smoothie recipes. The bike is a great tool for hands on learning and nutrition education!
Reading Label Nutrition Game
Another way to empower families to make healthy food choices is to ensure they understand how to read a nutrition label. Our “Behind the Label” nutrition facts game is a hands-on activity that promotes food literacy and helps the community learn how to evaluate food labels, compare nutritional values, and make smarter grocery shopping decisions. “Behind the Label” made its debut at the City of Whitehall’s “March Towards Reading” event, tying in the importance of health literacy and reading skills for healthy food choices.
Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt
Local food is beneficial both to an individual’s nutrition and to the local economy. Local produce, dairy, and meat travels right from the farm to the table, so the items retain their nutrients, stay fresh, and often taste better! The Farmers’ Market Scavenger Hunt is a fun and interactive way for children to learn about different fruits and vegetables and build relationships with local growers and producers in their community. Farmers’ market attendees can discover new fruits and vegetables, learn about seasonal produce, and support local farmers/ food resources. Some of the hints include “find one local vendor whose farm you could visit,” “ask an organic farmer how he controls bugs and weeds,” and “find one fruit or vegetable that you have never eaten before.” When kids finish the hunt, they can return to the table and talk to our health promotion team about what they learned. To make the scavenger hunt even more exciting, when kids complete their scavenger hunt, they also get a prize!
Farmers Market Scavenger Hunt
Local food is beneficial both to an individual’s nutrition and to the local economy. Local produce, dairy, and meat travels right from the farm to the table, so the items retain their nutrients, stay fresh, and often taste better! The Farmers’ Market Scavenger Hunt is a fun and interactive way for children to learn about different fruits and vegetables and build relationships with local growers and producers in their community. Farmers’ market attendees can discover new fruits and vegetables, learn about seasonal produce, and support local farmers/ food resources. Some of the hints include “find one local vendor whose farm you could visit,” “ask an organic farmer how he controls bugs and weeds,” and “find one fruit or vegetable that you have never eaten before.” When kids finish the hunt, they can return to the table and talk to our health promotion team about what they learned. To make the scavenger hunt even more exciting, when kids complete their scavenger hunt, they also get a prize!
Pro tip: Many of the markets in Franklin County accept both SNAP/EBT and Produce Perks. If you use SNAP benefits, you also qualify for Produce Perks. Produce Perks provides a $1-for-$1 match on fresh produce purchased with SNAP, up to $25 total.