Nutrition and Food Services
VA Collaborates to Celebrate National Nutrition Month®
March’s National Nutrition Month® offers us a chance to rethink old habits and begin new, healthy changes that focus on our Whole Health. This year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition” which helps us learn and discover how food and beverage choices can help power your day.
With the help of a VA dietitian nutritionist, Veterans can learn to build healthy habits to help feel great now and in the future. VA’s Nutrition and Food Services' mission’ is to care for Veterans with complete, evidence based, nutrition care.
VA facilities across the country offer Healthy Teaching Kitchen (HTK) programs which teach Veterans and their support persons about food, nutrition and how to prepare and store balanced, healthy dishes. Classes are open to VA-enrolled Veterans and a “plus one” if desired – this can be a partner, family member, caretaker or anyone involved in helping you purchase and prepare food.
Enjoy this month’s featured recipe, Berry-Vanilla Overnight Oats. To find more recipes, videos, podcasts and other resources, visit VA Nutrition and Food Services.
VA’s MOVE! Weight Management Program can boost confidence and ability to achieve your personal health goals. Keeping a healthy weight can help you feel good and have energy to do what you love.
Download the MOVE! Coach app to engage with learning activities, watch videos, and track your food, activity, and weight. Read Veteran MOVE! Stories: The Power of Change to be inspired and motivated for your health journey.
Make healthy choices at the Veterans Canteen Service
Veterans Canteen Service supports the well-being of Veterans, caregivers, family members and employees through cafeterias, coffee shops, retail stores —offering a variety of food and beverage choices in a comfortable setting. To see what else is in store this month, visit: Food Courts - Veterans Canteen Service (VCS) or in person at your VA facility.
National Nutrition Month® gives us all a chance to use the connecting power of food to develop healthful eating and physical activity habits.
This article was written by Andrea Young, Health System Specialist with the Office of Patient Centered Care & Cultural Transformation and by Beth Blair, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Co-chair of the VA Nutrition and Food Services National Nutrition Month® Workgroup, NFS Marketing and Nutrition Informatics Committee.
