National Nutrition Month 2026: Discover the Power of Nutrition

March is National Nutrition Month®, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org) to encourage informed food choices and healthful eating and physical activity habits.

In 2026, the L.A. County Aging & Disabilities Department (AD) is proud to align with the national theme “Discover the Power of Nutrition” by highlighting how nutrition supports healthy aging, independence, and quality of life across Los Angeles County.

Through our department’s Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP), we connect older adults with nutritious congregate and home-delivered meals, nutrition education, and access to trusted information that promotes long-term wellness.

NOTE: National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Campaign Overview

National Nutrition Month® began in 1973 as National Nutrition Week and became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition and health.

The 2026 theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” emphasizes that informed food choices can:

Support healthy aging

Strengthen immunity

Reduce the risk of chronic disease

Promote physical and mental well-being

For older adults, nutrition is not just about food; it is foundational to independence, safety, and dignity. Through its Area Agency on Aging (AAA) and Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP), AD works to ensure older adults in Los Angeles County have access to nutritious meals, social connection, and evidence-informed nutrition education.

Learn more about National Nutrition Month®: https://www.eatright.org/about-national-nutrition-month

Campaign Goals

Promote the 2026 national theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition.”

Highlight L.A. County’s Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP).

Increase awareness of congregate and home-delivered meal services across L.A. County.

Encourage informed food choices and safe food practices for older adults.

Reinforce nutrition as a core component of healthy aging and community well-being.

Key Messages

Good nutrition powers healthy aging.

Access to nutritious meals supports independence and reduces health risks.

Congregate and home-delivered meals provide both nourishment and connection.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists play a critical role in supporting informed food choices.

The Aging & Disabilities Department is committed to ensuring older adults across L.A. County can access nutritious meals and reliable nutrition education.

Top Facts About Nutrition & Healthy Aging

Healthy eating patterns are associated with reduced risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. cdc.gov/nutrition

Older adults are at increased risk of malnutrition due to chronic conditions, medication interactions, and limited access to healthy foods, according to the Administration for Community Living. acl.gov/programs/health-wellness

Community-based nutrition programs, including congregate and home-delivered meals, help reduce food insecurity and support older adults’ ability to remain in their homes.
acl.gov/programs/health-wellness/nutrition-services

National Nutrition Month® has been celebrated annually since 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. eatright.org/about-national-nutrition-month

Engagement Tips

Share a National Nutrition Month® tip sheet with your community.

NOTE: Tip Sheets (Educational, Non-Commercial Use):
eatright.org/national-nutrition-month/resources

Watch and share the video: What a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Can Do for You?
https://vimeo.com/939088615

Highlight a local congregate meal site or home-delivered meal route.

Encourage older adults and caregivers to explore healthy, budget-friendly meal options.

Downloadable Placemat

To support L.A. County’s Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP) congregate meal sites, AD created a National Nutrition Month® placemat aligned with the 2026 theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition.”

The placemat is available for use by ENP sites and any community organization that would like to print and share it at congregate meals or nutrition education activities.

The bottom right corner is intentionally left open so organizations may add their own logo. (Right-click on the image to open into a new tab and/or save on your device).

Real Stories from Our Nutrition Program

Across Los Angeles County, congregate meal sites provide more than nutritious meals, they foster connection, purpose, and community. Hear directly from participants about the impact of the Elderly Nutrition Program (ENP).

Spread the Word on Social Media

Help amplify National Nutrition Month® and the power of nutrition for healthy aging.

AD Handles:

• Facebook & Instagram: @LACounty4AD
• X (Twitter) & LinkedIn: @LACountyAD

Use Relevant Hashtags

#NationalNutritionMonth
#DiscoverThePowerOfNutrition
#HealthyAging
#LACountyAD
#OlderAdults
#CongregateMeals

#ElderlyNutritionProgram
#HomeDeliveredMeals

Sample Social Media Posts

Feel free to adapt to your organization’s voice and style.

Sample Post 1

March is National Nutrition Month! This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” highlights how informed food choices support lifelong health.

We’re proud to partner with @LACountyAD to support older adults through nutritious congregate and home-delivered meals across the @CountyofLA.

#NationalNutritionMonth #DiscoverThePowerOfNutrition

Sample Post 2

Good nutrition supports independence, strength, and well-being at every age. During National Nutrition Month®, join @LACountyAD in recognizing the impact of the Area Agency on Aging and Elderly Nutrition Program.

Learn more about how nutrition powers healthy aging. eatright.org/national-nutrition-month/resources

#NationalNutritionMonth #HealthyAging #LACounty