March is National Nutrition Month, an education campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that focuses on informed food choices, good eating habits, and physical activity.
The campaign was founded in 1973 and the theme for 2026 is “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” which highlights how nutrient-rich foods can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic disease.
To celebrate the month, the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Program (IECMH) has compiled a list of resources that can help caregivers make nutritious choices for the children in their care.
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Among the resources is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Early Child Nutrition Resources, which provide requirements for meals, food groups, and infant nutrition.
Pennsylvania’s Department of Education also provides guidance on food and nutrition for early childhood education settings. Some of their resources include:
One article shared by the IECMH – “How Snack and Mealtimes Can Help Preschoolers Learn Social Skills, Vocabulary, Math, Science, and Cultural Awareness” – discusses how snacks and mealtimes are important opportunities for preschool-age children to learn and develop in a variety of ways.
Other resources explore the role of food in emotional regulation, how snack time during after-school programs is important, and how predictable snack and meal times can teach children to listen to their bodies and foster healthy eating habits.
