GNU: Nutrition Month – Unlock the Potential of Food

14 March 2023

March is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme – Unlock the Potential of Food – aims to teach people the power of a healthy diet. Healthy eating looks different for everyone. Making healthy choices may not be the same for everyone and can depend on nutritional needs based on someone’s health, personal preferences, culture, and food traditions.

In Nunavut, food sharing is an important part of Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit and healthy eating. It helps strengthen relationships, creates chances for Elders to share knowledge about traditional ways of eating, improves food security, strengthens feelings of belonging, and gives everyone in the family a chance to be involved.

There are many ways Nunavummiut can support healthy eating:

• Harvesting and preparing food together, which is a great way to spend time with family and to teach food skills.
• Introducing a variety of country foods to children at a young age.
• Eating together with family or friends which is good for mental health.
• Giving babies the best start in the first six months of life by providing breast milk and vitamin D supplements.
• If having storebought foods, eating a variety of meats, grains, fruits and vegetables.
• When buying food at the store, using food labels to compare items and try to limit foods that are high in sodium, sugars, and saturated fat.

If you or a loved one need support with healthy eating, contact your health centre, public health unit, or speak to a dietitian.

For more resources and information on healthy eating, visit https://livehealthy.gov.nu.ca

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Media Contact:

Danarae Sommerville
Communications Specialist
Department of Health
867-975-5712
dsommerville1@gov.nu.ca

NT5