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. 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.

    Topics:

  2. 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.

  3. 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

  4. 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.  

  5. Food Kindness and Hunger Action Month

    Aug. 29, 2025

    One page summary of the distribution event in Lucas County on Friday, September 12, 2025. Thank you to all our partners! Food Kindness Event Lucas County 2025 One page flyer or handout that might be useful for our partners to share when they distribute the meals to families in our community Food Kindness Meal Ideas
  6. Bats and Spotted Lanternfly (SLF)

    Aug. 05, 2025

    Bat Research, Rutgers University 

    https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4907/16/3/443

    News Clip on the Research Project

    https://newj ersey.news12.com/bats-are-feasting-on-invasive-spotted-lan...

  7. Spotted Lanternfly Update, July 2025

    Jul. 10, 2025

    (July 10, 2025) Last week, we began receiving reports of seeing the very first 4th instar nymphs of the year, and I have also began making my own observations while out in the county. The key identifiable characteristic that you will see is the color change from black with white spots, to red with black and white markings. The next stage that we will see will be the adults. Adult SLF have strong legs for jumping, just like the immatures, but also have wings, making them in more mobile. 

  8. Container Gardening Resources, May 2025

    May. 29, 2025

  9. Summer in the City with Extension 2025

    May. 16, 2025

    Check out some of our programming:

    Grow Ohio Youth Program at three local library sites  Buckeye Garden: Raised bed vegetable garden at the Toledo Botanical Garden Sneak A Zucchini - August 8th, 2025 Sneak A Zucchini on Our Porch flyer
  10. Spotted Lanternfly Update, June 2025

    May. 05, 2025

    Spotted Lanternfly has been observed hatching in the Toledo area as 1st instar nymphs from egg masses laid last year. 

     

    We are encouraging residents to become familiar with this non-native invasive insect - the spotted lanternfly (SLF), and look for the pest in their own landscapes or places they frequent.

     

    *This photo illustrates multiple generations - nymphs and adults. 

     

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