Nutrition Month 2026: Nourish to Flourish at CSAHS
Every March, Nutrition Month invites Canadians to reflect on the power of food, not just as fuel, but as a foundation for long-term health, connection, and community. As Leslie Beck, RD and Chair of the Board of Directors of Dietitians of Canada, states, “Nutrition Month is a time to celebrate the essential role of dietitians in improving the health and well-being of Canadians.” This year’s theme, Nourish to Flourish, captures that spirit beautifully.
The theme highlights how nutrition shapes far more than physical health. It influences mental well-being, emotional resilience, cultural identity, and the ways we come together as families and communities. It’s a reminder that food is both deeply personal and profoundly social, and that nourishing ourselves helps us flourish in every part of life.
At the College of Social and Applied Human Sciences (CSAHS), this theme resonates strongly. Across our departments, faculty, students, and alumni are advancing research, sharing knowledge, and creating resources that make healthy living more accessible and meaningful. Here are some of the initiatives happening within the college that embody the ‘Nourish to Flourish’ message, especially when it comes to empowering the next generation.
Spotlight on CSAHS Initiatives
Guelph GradCast: A Conversation with Lauren Yee (Applied Human Nutrition)
Registered dietitian and U of G alum Lauren Yee joins Guelph GradCast to share her journey into the profession and the experiences that shaped her time at Guelph. In this episode, she discusses common misconceptions about diet and nutrition, the evolving role of dietitians in today’s health landscape, and how to navigate the overwhelming world of online health advice. Her insights offer a grounded, evidence-based perspective on what it truly means to support healthy living.
Listen to Lauren Yee’s Guelph GradCast episode.
View Lauren Yee’s Guelph Grad Q&A.
Veggie Quest on TVO Kids
In the educational TVO Kids series Burps, Butts and Bones, Dr. Jess Haines, Professor in the Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, teams up with host Nell to explore the power of vegetables in an episode called Veggie Quest. As they prepare a delicious and nutritious meal together, young viewers learn how different veggies help the body grow strong and healthy, why variety matters on the plate, and that cooking can be fun, creative, and increase confidence.
Watch Veggie Quest.
Guelph Family Health Study: Healthy Habits Happy Homes Podcast
The Healthy Habits Happy Homes Podcast, created through the Guelph Family Health Study, brings evidence-based guidance directly to families looking to build healthier routines. Each episode features interviews with experts across interdisciplinary health fields, practical tools and tips for everyday wellbeing, and clear explanations of the science behind healthy habits.
This podcast is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud.
Guelph Family Health Study: Family-Friendly Recipes Cookbook
Parents in the Guelph Family Health Study expressed interest in kid-friendly, healthy recipes they could prepare at home. In response, researchers used crowd-sourced funding to create this recipe book. This collection was designed especially for kids. Getting children involved in the kitchen early can help them learn how to choose healthy foods while also creating opportunities for quality time together. Research shows that children who participate in food preparation are more likely to try new foods.
View or download the free Kids in the Kitchen Cookbook.
Nourishing Our Community and the Next Generation to Flourish
Nutrition Month reminds us that nutrition plays a transformative role in our lives and overall well-being. Through innovative research, hands-on learning, and meaningful community engagement, our community champions a holistic approach to nutrition—equipping the next generation with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead healthier lives. When we nourish ourselves and invest in one another, we flourish together.