Page 34 - Layout 1

SAN ANTONIO
MEDICINE

Nourishing San Antonio:

Decreasing Food Insecurity and Enhancing

Wellbeing During National Nutrition Month

By The City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District

As we observe National Nutrition Month in March, it's crucial for health disparities in the community. A key area in the plan is Nutrition
health professionals to think about their role in fostering a culture of and Food Insecurity, which envisions more equitable, sustainable and
nutritious food choices and health in the community. Nutrition is es- diverse food systems, and making nutritious foods more accessible
sential for overall wellbeing and the City of San Antonio Metropolitan across the entire county. Metro Health’s Policy and Civic Engagement
Health District (Metro Health) is committed to collaborating with Office (PaCE) and Community Nutrition program have partnered to
medical professionals to encourage healthy living and prevent long- build partnerships with community organizations to promote equi-
term illnesses by providing guidance, education and increasing aware- table health outcomes by building strong cross-sector and community
ness of available resources. partnerships, and coordinating policy and systems change initiatives.
National Nutrition Month®, initiated in 1973 by the Academy of Nu- Metro Health also continues to educate the community on the im-
trition and Dietetics, is an annual campaign that encourages commu- portance of switching to healthier food options and engaging in regular
nity members to explore the realm of informed food choices and the physical activity. It provides resources such as workshops aimed at pre-
cultivation of healthful eating and physical activity habits throughout venting and managing chronic diseases, like diabetes, and a range of
the month of March. tools including nutrition tips, informative sheets, educational materials,
The theme for the 2024 annual campaign is "Beyond the Table," em- games and more to support families maintaining a healthy diet and
phasizing the holistic journey of nutrition, from food production, dis- well-being. Its ¡Por Vida! program acknowledges local restaurants that
tribution, navigating grocery stores and farmers markets, and best promote healthy eating environments through good nutrition, clean-
practices for storage and safety. The theme also highlights how we can liness, sustainability and community involvement.
eat healthier when we are on-the-go and keeping sustainability in mind, National Nutrition Month is an opportunity to commemorate the
whether it is at schools, offices, restaurants or events. dedication of public health workers, registered dietitians (RDs), health-
A balanced diet that includes a diverse variety of nutritious foods is care professionals and community organizations who play a crucial role
one of the best defenses against chronic diseases such as heart disease in ensuring the community has access to fresh, nutritious foods and a
and diabetes. Yet, these conditions are very common in San Antonio, more equitable, diverse and sustainable food system. Metro Health con-
especially in the most disinvested areas, and are usually the top causes tinues to uphold its vision of “healthy people thriving in a healthy com-
of mortality. Food insecurity, defined as a lack of consistent access to munity” by fostering collaborations and community engagement to
sufficient, safe and nutritious food, which meets dietary needs and food increase food security and encourage healthy living.
preferences for an active, healthy life, affects approximately 14 percent Making healthy food choices is about looking Beyond the Table and
of Bexar County residents and nearly 20 percent of children under the Metro Health encourages individuals to spend more time making bet-
age of 18. ter decisions on what they eat and drink. To learn more about Metro
In response, Metro Health launched its SA Forward Plan in 2022. Health’s programs, nutrition guides and other resources, visit
This five-year blueprint is Metro Health’s strategic roadmap to address www.sa.gov/health.

34 SAN ANTONIO MEDICINE • March 2024