March Food Calendar

March food wordleClick on a Quick Link to find TIPS, RECIPES, and RESOURCES related to the day, week or month. Or simply scroll down the page.

Questions about March Calendar? Email author, Kayla Colgrove, MS, RD, Extension Educator (kayla.colgrovefoo@unl.edu)

National Food Days

National Food Weeks

National Food Months

* Day(s) changes yearly

 

Food Calendar

UNL Extension's Calendar of Food Days, Weeks, and Months is a monthly, web-based food-themed calendar. It provides resources for selected national food-themed days, weeks, and months.

We hope this provides you inspiration for blogs, tweets, programs, and articles.

To receive notification of Calendar of Food Days, Weeks, and Months updates, please subscribe to the Food Calendar Update Mailing List.

~Kayla Colgrove, MS, RD, ACSM-CPT (kayla.colgrovefoo@unl.edu)

▸ For more timely food tips and inspiration, visit my blog, Making HealthieRDecisions.

Other Food Calendar Contributors: Alice Henneman, MS, RD and Lisa Franzen Castle, MS, RD, PhD.

Terms of Use for Photos and Educational Resources developed by UNL Extension. Guidelines may differ for items linked to on other sites. You are welcome to link to our calendar.

Please see our other food and health related newsletters, blogs, and social media resources.

 

DAY
Peanut Butter Lover's Day (March 1) / Peanut Month


peanutsPeanut butter is a convenient and inexpensive staple to keep in your kitchen. Eating 1 tablespoon of peanut butter counts as an ounce-equivalent in the Protein Foods Group. Peanuts and peanut butter offers a variety of healthy vitamins and minerals, but remember to eat smaller portions since they are higher in calories. 

For some unique recipes made with peanuts and peanut butter, check these resources:

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Cereal Day (March 7)

Woman eating cereal
This holiday originated to commemorate the anniversary of the invention of corn flakes by William and John Kellogg in the late 19th century.

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St. Patrick's Day (March 17)


cloverGo for the GREEN on St. Patrick's Day. Get healthy with green fruits and veggies:

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Ag Day (March 21, 2017)*

farm houseNational Ag Day was created to recognize and celebrate the contribution of agriculture in our everyday lives. It is coordinated by the Ag Council of America.

1 in 3 jobs in Nebraska are tied to agriculture or agribusiness. Cash receipts from farm marketings contributed over $24 billion to Nebraska's economy in 2012 and 6.2 percent of the U.S. total. Nebraska ranks #1 in the nation in red meat, Great Northern beans, and popcorn production. (More Nebraska ag facts, Feb. 2016...)

Download the FREE GrowIt app from the University of Nebraska's Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources. It is a lively free app that gives kids their first lessons in how agriculture produces the things they love to eat — and even their crayons.

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World Water Day (March 22)


picture from World Water Day photo streamWorld Water Day is an international day declared by the UN General Assembly.  Water is a basic requirement for life. World Water Day focuses on promoting concrete activities regarding the world's water resources.

NebGuides from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

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American Diabetes Alert Day (March 28, 2017, fourth Tuesday in March)*


diabetesThere are 29 million people in the United States, or 9% of the population, are affected by diabetes. Learn more about this day from American Diabetes Association or National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

Take the Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test from the American Diabetes Association to find out if you are at risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Control Diabetes for Life is an educational program that is offered by UNL Extension 1-3 times a year in various locations in Nebraska. Check out Control Diabetes for Life's website to watch archived sessions.

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Pecan Day (March 25)

pecans
Pecans are a source of protein, potassium, zinc, vitamin E, magnesium, carbohydrates, and folic acid. They contain mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat -- the type considered "heart healthy." A handful of nuts a day, such as pecans, can help you stay on a diet by contributing to satiety. This means they will help you feel full longer.

More information and recipes for pecans at:

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Spinach Day (March 26)
 

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Week
National School Breakfast Week (March 6-10, 2017, 1st full week in March)*


breakfast foodThe theme for the 2017 National School Breakfast week is "Take the School Breakfast Challenge." National School Breakfast Week is celebrated during the first full week in March. It helps to raise awareness about the importance of a healthy breakfast for children in school. Check out these resources to help you with breakfast week:

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National Agriculture Week (March 19-25, 2017)*

 
farmingCheck out these great resources for National Agriculture Week:

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Salt Awareness Week (March 20-26, 2017)*


salt and pepperThe 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends eating less than 2,300 miligrams (mg) per day of sodium. Most Americans eat too much sodium with the average sodium intake being 3,440 mg per day. A further reduction to 1,500 mg per day among adults who have prehypertension and hypertension can result in even greater blood pressure reduction. Remember to use the Nutrition Facts label to check for sodium, especially in processed foods like pizza, pasta dishes, sauces, and soups.

Additional Resources:

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Month
Colon Cancer Awareness Month


fruitColon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death for both men and women. When should you get screened for colon cancer? Encourage everyone over the age of 50 to get screened regularly for colon cancer.

Additional Resources:

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Flour Month

flour sifter
Learn more about different types of flours and substitutions from The Cook's Thesaurus:

Check our guidelines on storing flour:

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Frozen Food Month


smoothie made with frozen berriesFrozen foods picked and frozen at the peak of maturity can equal fresh foods in nutritional quality. They're washed and ready to go -- pour from the bag only what you need.

SMOOTHIE RECIPE: Make the smoothie on the right by blending 1 cup unsweetened frozen raspberries, 3/4 cup 100% orange juice, and 1/2 cup fruit-flavored, low-fat yogurt (such as peach).

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National Nutrition Month®

apple made from an assortment of colored fruits and vegetables
The theme for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) 2017 National Nutrition Month is "Put Your Best Fork Forward."

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Noodle Month

bowl of noodles
Pasta, including noodles, is low in sodium. Look for either enriched or whole grain noodles. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 recommend making half your grain choices (cereals, pasta, rice, bread, etc.) whole grain.

For more information and recipes for cooking with pasta, visit the National Pasta Association website.

Recipes:

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(Photo courtesy of the National Pasta Association)
Sauce Month


alfredo sauceBe careful when choosing a sauce to add to your meal. Cream based and cheese sauces are usually high in saturated fat and calories, so make sure to eat these sauces in moderation. For a healthier option, use lowfat or nonfat cream, lowfat or nonfat cheese, tomato based sauce, or salsa to decrease saturated fat and calories. Check out these great resources for National Sauce Month:

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