Discover the power of dairy during National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During March, individuals and families are encouraged to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” aligns with the release of the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provide updated recommendations to help people meet nutrient needs while supporting long-term health. The guidelines are designed to be flexible, recognizing that healthy eating looks different for everyone.

Key recommendations in the updated guidelines include choosing a variety of protein foods, eating fruits and vegetables daily, incorporating healthy fats, and selecting whole grains more often than refined grains. The guidelines also emphasize consuming the right number of calories while limiting added sugars, sodium and saturated fat, and focusing on nutrient-dense foods that provide essential vitamins and minerals.

Dairy foods continue to play an important role in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guidelines recommend three servings of dairy each day, including milk, cheese and yogurt, as part of a 2,000-calorie dietary pattern. Dairy provides several nutrients many Americans fall short on, including calcium, vitamin D and potassium, as well as high-quality protein that supports bone health and muscle function throughout the lifespan. A variety of dairy options can help individuals meet nutrient needs while staying within recommended limits for saturated fat.

National Nutrition Month is an opportunity to reflect on how everyday food choices support health and well-being. By following the Dietary Guidelines and including a variety of nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy, individuals and families can build balanced meals that support health and fit into real life.

For more information on the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, visit dietaryguidelines.gov. For more information on National Nutrition Month, visit eatright.org.

Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Veggie Subs

This recipe keeps the comfort of chicken Parmesan while adding vegetables to the sauce, using whole grains, and including dairy for flavor and key nutrients.

Servings: 4

Ingredients

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 jar (24 ounces) marinara sauce

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 small zucchini, finely chopped

1 cup finely chopped mushrooms

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

4 whole-grain sub rolls

1 cup part-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Procedure

Place chicken in the slow cooker. Top with marinara, onion, zucchini, mushrooms and Italian seasoning.

Cook on Low 6-7 hours or High 3-4 hours, until chicken is tender.

Shred chicken slightly and stir into the sauce.

Spoon mixture onto whole-grain rolls and top with mozzarella and Parmesan.

Broil briefly or cover until cheese melts, then serve.