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. 2021 Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Classes Begin In October

    Sep. 16, 2021

    The 2021 Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Classes are scheduled to begin this fall. Those interested in the program are asked to complete an application and return it to the OSU Extension Office at Toledo Botanical Garden at 5403 Elmer Drive, Toledo, Ohio 43615, or email a scanned copy of the application to Amy Stone at stone.91@osu.edu

    The class will be held on Fridays from 9 am - 3 pm at various Metropark locations throughout Lucas County. 

  2. 2021 Green Industry Summer Session

    Jul. 23, 2021

    For over 25 years, the Green Industry Summer Session was held in NW Ohio on the campus of Owens Community College. It has been and continues to be a partnership between Owens and Ohio State University Extension, Lucas County. Last year we took the year off, and this year we were waiting to see if we could pull it off once we heard word that we could offer face-to-face programming. 

  3. Summer Produce - Enjoy Fresh and Preserve for the Year

    Jul. 15, 2021

    It is the time of year when farm stands and vegetable gardens are full of the summer harvest. How do you enjoy your local produce? Whether you are a member of a CSA, grow your own or purchase from a local farmer, we can enjoy it fresh as well as consider the best ways to preserve it to enjoy at other times of the year. We invite you to read Using a Community Supported Agriculture Share to Plan Family Meals for your fresh produce.

  4. Freeze Warning - What Gardeners Should Do

    Apr. 20, 2021

    Temperatures have begun to fall and snow if falling. Weather forecasters are predicting that we could receive between 1 and 4 inches of the white stuff this afternoon, evening and into the early morning hours. That precipitation will likely begin to melt on Wednesday, but will be followed by some freezing temperatures that have gardeners worried. While we can't change Mother Nature, there are a few things gardeners could do. 

  5. Soil Testing Info

    Apr. 20, 2021

    A lot of people are asking about soil testing. Tis the season!

    Unfortunately, we don't have the capabilities to test soil locally in the office, but do have information that I hope you find useful. 

    Soil Testing Information

    Link to OSU Extension Soil Testing FactSheet - https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/hyg-1132 

  6. Fruit and Vegetable Coupon Program, Spring 2021

    Apr. 15, 2021

    Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) is encouraging eligible families to enroll in this opportunity to add more nutritious produce into their diets!

    The Fruit and Vegetable Coupon Program helps make produce more affordable for Ohio families.  Eligible families receive a Fruit and Vegetable Coupon booklet worth $40, redeemable at the Toledo Farmers’ Market. Coupons are mailed directly to your home and must be redeemed by June 30, 2021.

  7. Eat Smart, Be Active!

    Jan. 07, 2021

    NEW! ONLINE LEARNING OPPORTUNITY
    TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLE:
    WEDNESDAYS STARTING JANUARY 13 2:00 PM OR
    THURSDAYS STARTING JANUARY 14 6:00 PM
    Join us via phone, tablet, or computer!
    The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) can show you how to eat healthier and be more active even on a limited budget.

  8. Fall Home Food Preservation Hours - Online

    Oct. 07, 2020

    Similar to a spring/summer series, this fall, the OSU Extension Food Preservation Team is offering live online “Office Hours”. Each of these Tuesday sessions will be from 4:00-5:00 pm.  Sessions will start with a short presentation and the remainder of the time will be for open Q&A. The presentations are free but you will need to register. You are welcome to register for one or all of them. Register here: https://go.osu.edu/fall2020foodpreservationseries

  9. Join us for Farm Science Virtual Review, September 22-24, 2020

    Sep. 09, 2020

    For the first time in its nearly 60-year-history, Farm Science Review (FSR), scheduled for September 22 – 24, will not be held in-person. Instead, a FREE virtual show will be implemented this year.

  10. Free Seed Giveaway to Promote Ohio Victory Gardens this Fall

    Aug. 10, 2020

    ODA and OSU Extension Kick Off Ohio Victory Gardens Program

    Free Seed Packets Will Be Available for the Public

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