March is National Nutrition Month, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a global organization of food and nutrition professionals. IDFA is joining the celebration with a social media campaign to promote the nutritional benefits of dairy and the many healthy choices that are available in the dairy aisle.

Launched in 1980, National Nutrition Month focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. The 2016 theme, “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” encourages the enjoyment of flavors and social experiences that nutritious food can bring. IDFA plans to share a variety of nutrition facts, recipes and trivia on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #NationalNutritionMonth.

The Academy kicked off its online celebration yesterday by hosting a Twitter chat that posed health related questions such as “How can snacking help support an overall healthy eating plan?” to engage the audience in conversation. Michelle Matto, nutrition consultant for IDFA and an Academy member, answered, “Snacks can be nutritious (veggies and cheese, yogurt and fruit) and help prevent overeating,” and posted other comments on behalf of IDFA.

In total, over 60 Twitter account holders, including @USDANutrition, @MyPlate, @TeenHealthGov and several registered dietitians, contributed to nearly 300 tweets during the conversation. All tweets from the chat are available on Twitter at #NNMchat.

IDFA invites member companies to participate in the month-long celebration on IDFA’s Twitter, Facebook and Instagram profiles. Members may also send content that highlights their products’ nutritional benefits to socialmedia@idfa.org so IDFA can share the messages with its online audiences.

For more information, contact Audra Kruse, IDFA communications specialist, at akruse@idfa.org.