Nourish to Flourish: Embracing the Power of Food for Better Health

March is Nutrition Month, and the theme for 2025, “Nourish to Flourish,” underscores how food affects our well-being. This month is an opportunity to recognize the significant role healthy eating plays in our daily lives, shaping our physical and mental health.

Food and Well-Being: The Essential Connection

Food is not just fuel—it’s an essential natural factor in our well-being. What we eat impacts our energy, immune function, and overall quality of life. Nutrition Month’s message encourages us to incorporate a variety of wholesome foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats into our daily routine, which helps support physical and mental health.

The Role of Dietitians in Supporting Your Health

Dietitians are key in helping us make informed food choices. These experts can tailor nutrition advice to our individual health needs, whether we’re managing a condition or looking to feel our best. This Nutrition Month, take the opportunity to consult a dietitian for personalized advice that can help you make sustainable, health-boosting food choices.

Veronica Kacinik, a registered dietitian, is also a member of the board of the Plant a Seed Foundation. For more on her thoughts on nutrition, please read her previous full interview here: https://seewhatgrows.org/interview-with-veronica-kacinik/

Building Healthy Eating Habits for Life

Nutrition Month emphasizes the importance of making healthy eating a habit, not just a short-term effort. Start by learning to read food labels and make informed choices about ingredients and nutritional content. Also, be mindful of “food marketing”, which can influence our decisions—making healthier choices involves resisting tempting but less nutritious options.

Accessed https://nutritionrx.ca/label-reading-101/, Jennifer Broxterman, MSc, RD, Registered Dietitian

How Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation Promotes Healthy Nutrition and Well-Being

Plant a Seed is focused on educating children through its Seeds of Inspiration, free-of-charge educational resources, and school garden projects. 300,000 students in over 3,600 schools have benefitted from these educational programs, which include curriculum-based resources, organic seeds, and hands-on gardening activities that promote nutrition and sustainable living.

Looking for easy plant a seed activities with your kids, homeschool or class? Look no further! https://seewhatgrows.org/kids-corner/at-home-activities/

School Gardens: A Path to Better Health

Research shows that school gardens are more than just educational tools—they improve children’s immune systems, metabolic health, mental health, and even academic performance. Through its partnerships and financial support, we have funded over 45 school garden projects, contributing to the health of thousands of children.

The Odyssey Fairview school in Maple Ridge, BC was one of the recipients of the garden funding.

In 2023 alone, the organization provided grants $15,750 to support 10 school garden projects, ensuring that children have access to fresh, healthy foods while also learning about where their food comes from. School gardens encourage children to connect with nature, take part in growing their food, and develop a deep appreciation for healthy eating habits that they bring into their adult lives.

Students at Deer Lake School, BC wait for their salad with radishes from their school garden. Produce from their garden was integrated into the school’s lunch program.

Investing in the Future of Nutrition and Agriculture

We have committed significant financial resources to ensuring the success of our programs. Since 2013, we invested over $575,000 in initiatives like school gardens, educational materials, bursaries for students pursuing careers in sustainable agriculture, and seed preservation programs. These investments contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future, benefiting both individuals and communities at large.

In addition, the foundation has provided undergraduate bursaries, supporting students in fields such as naturopathic medicine, horticulture, and sustainable agriculture, ensuring the next generation of health and nutrition experts can continue to create a healthier world.

Supporting the Mission: Read the Full Annual Report

As we look forward to a month of nourishment and growth, we encourage you to read through our current 2023 annual report. You can read the full annual report here: https://seewhatgrows.org/2023-annual-report/