Healthy lunches, education highlight National Nutrition Month

East Carolina University’s Campus Dining Services and ARAMARK will highlight National Nutrition Month in March with healthy lunches at Todd and West End Dining Hall on March 19 and March 26, along with suggested menu combinations nightly throughout the month in both dining halls.

The celebration is part of a national campaign through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With a theme of “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,” the campaign encourages the development of a personalized healthy eating style that incorporates individual preferences, lifestyles, health concerns, and cultural and ethnic traditions.

“National Nutrition Month highlights the importance of making informed food choices that work for each individual’s lifestyle and nutrition needs,” said Janie Owens, the ARAMARK registered dietitian with ECU Campus Dining Services.  “We are committed to providing the campus community with a menu that features a variety of healthy options and supports consumers’ changing preferences.”

The March 19 and 26 lunches will feature tips and educational information about the importance of building a healthy plate by following the recommendations of ChooseMyPlate.gov to create “Pirate Approved Plates.” Menus will feature many whole grain options and lean proteins. Lunches are $8.50 and may be purchased through university meal plans.

Additional information about National Nutrition Month activities on campus is available at www.ecu.edu/dining. For suggestions related to ways students can “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,” visit www.eatright.org.