Discover the Power of Nutrition

See Lucas County Extension promote National Nutrition Month on WTOL's Good Day program.

Each year during March, we celebrate National Nutrition Month®, which is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It invites everyone to learn about making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The theme for National Nutrition Month® 2026 is Discover the Power of Nutrition, which highlights the power nutrition has in helping individuals and communities thrive.

Our food and beverage choices have the power to help us thrive. To get the most benefit from the foods and beverages you choose throughout the week, consider the following tips:

  • Choose healthful foods from all the food groups.
  • Alternate your food choices for a variety of nutrients. Including a variety of foods within each food group can help you to get the nutrients you need. 
  • Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions. They may advertise quick and easy solutions, but they often don’t promote healthy or sustainable habits. 

Resources can be a big obstacle when it comes to healthy eating. But there are things you can do to stay nourished on a limited budget. 

  • Make a grocery list and stick to it so you buy only what you need. Check store sales when you’re planning your meals.
  • Modify recipes to use less expensive ingredients – for example, replace some or all the meat in a soup or casserole with beans, or use frozen or canned vegetables in place of fresh ones.
  • Learn cooking skills that work with the tools you have. Know how to prepare a variety of dishes and make use of budget-friendly ingredients.
  • If you’re eligible, consider signing up for community resources, such as SNAP, WIC, and local food pantries. Visit our Food Assistance Resource Guide to learn more.

Contact your local EFNEP team to learn where free programs are delivered in your community. 

  1. Early Spring Garden Resources

    Mar. 02, 2026

    From Winter Sowing to garden planning, the 2026 growing season is upon us! This Ohio Gardening Calendar was a favorite resource at the Toledo GROWs Seed Swap. Check out our vegetable gardening "how to" page at go.osu.edu/GrowLucas

  2. How Your Local Lucas County Extension Office is Funded

    Feb. 24, 2026

    In Ohio, all Ohio State University Extension county offices operate on a cost share of federal, state, and local dollars.

    OSU Extension, Lucas County 2026 local budget request

  3. Box Tree Moth Update, February 2026

    Feb. 16, 2026

     

    Box Tree Moth (BTM) has been detected in Lucas County. This post will provide you, residents of Lucas County, the latest information about this new invasive species found in Lucas County, and includes links to additional information and resources. 

     

     

    PRESS RELEASE FROM ODA

  4. Wintertime Wellbeing

    Feb. 02, 2026

    Thank you, Annie Giovannucci, Meteorologist, Multimedia Journalist, 13abc for highlighting the challenges and opportunities of wintertime wellbeing. Here is the link to the digital story:...

  5. Spotted Lanternfly Update, Winter 2025/2026

    Dec. 29, 2025

    This fall brought so many calls, emails, texts and conversations about the movement of the spotted lanternfly in our county. But colder temperatures have drastically decreased activity - both of the insect itself, and people wanting to share their observations and experiences and looking for some guidance about what to do.

  6. Ohio SNAP-Ed Update

    Dec. 01, 2025

    Federal funding for SNAP-Ed ended Sept 30, 2025. In Ohio, SNAP-Ed programming continued through Nov. 12. Contact your local Extension office to find out what similar programs might be available in your area. You can also visit celebrateyourplate.org for recipes and other online tools.

  7. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month

    Oct. 10, 2025

    According to the Ohio Department of Health, nearly 1 million (13.2%) Ohio adults have been diagnosed with diabetes. Join Ohio State University Extension's Diabetes team during November for 4 complimentary 30-minute diabetes webinars, live online every Monday in November from 12:00 - 12:30pm.

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  8. Spotted Lanternfly Update, October 2025

    Oct. 01, 2025

    In the month of September came a lot of calls, emails, texts and conversations about the movement of the spotted lanternfly in our county. We experienced movement of the adult stage, with a lot of keen observations that many saw them against, on or near tall structures like buildings, light posts and utility posts. Many explained that they were seeing them near entrances and occassionally they made their way indoors.

  9. Seasonal Plant Diagnostics with Amy Stone

    Sep. 18, 2025

     

    On September 18th, I was invitied to lead a diagnostic walk about plant pests at the Anderson's Headquarters in Maumee, Ohio. As I follow up, I wanted to provided links to information that we covered. Whether you attended the walk, or are just looking for additional information - I hope this list of resources and links to additional information is useful and you find if beneficial. As always, feel free to reach out to your local Extension office if you have plant and/or pest questions. 

     

    Twenty Questions of Plant Diagnostics

  10. Spotted Lanternfly Update, September 2025

    Sep. 03, 2025

    (September 3, 2025)

    We are receiving a lot of calls, emails and text messages about the spotted lanternfly (SLF). Adult SLF have strong legs for jumping, just like the immatures, but also have wings, making them in more mobile than the nymphs. It is important to note that we are still seeing some 4th instar nymphs too, but there are definately more adults.  

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