“Food is Medicine” is the idea that diet can have therapeutic effects on your health. There is scientific evidence showing a nutrient-rich diet can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, mental health challenges and obesity. Foods linked to better health outcomes include:

• Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts and seeds
• Lean protein
• Probiotics found in fermented foods like yogurt

March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It’s a great opportunity to provide service members, Veterans and their families with information on food choices and sound eating and physical activity practices.

A good way to implement healthy foods into your diet is to gradually incorporate fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and grains. Many nutritionists recommend planning meals ahead of time, focusing on mindful eating, staying hydrated and limiting processed foods. You can seek professional guidance for personalized advice based on your health goals.

One of the best ways to buy healthy food for less is with your local farmers market and connection with your local growers. The Minnesota Grown website is designed to connect you with your local farmers market, provide recipes, and announce upcoming events. The growing season is right around the corner and many markets who accept Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will now triple your Market Bucks! See if your local market accepts SNAP.

Here are some additional ways to save at the grocery store:

• Shop the perimeter of the store—in other words, fill your cart with fresh, unprocessed food from the store’s edges and then supplement with a few choices from the inner aisles.
• Purchase seasonal fruits and vegetables.
• Use store sales and coupons.
• Buy in bulk when possible.
• Choose store brand options.
• Consider canned or frozen produce.

Social media platforms also offer information on how people near you are saving and eating healthier on a budget.

Please consult your primary provider before considering any diets. Food is not a substitute for conventional medicine, which remains essential for many illnesses that diet alone cannot address.

If you need support with food, your first point of connection should be your local County Veteran Service Officer.

For additional food resources check out the following:

Lutheran Social Service CORE has partnered with MDVA to support Veterans and their families with access to home delivered meals that are developed by a registered dietician to ensure each meal is nutrient-rich and healthy.

Minneapolis VA Veteran Pop-Up Pantry is every third Tuesday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. or until supplies last. Pick up shelf-stable food, a couple of freezer items and resources ready to help Veterans experiencing food insecurity.

LinkVet offers support seven days a week to Veterans and their families to access food support and other valuable resources such as employment, education, health and disability, homelessness, memorial affairs and Veterans Homes. Call 1-888-LinkVet.

Hunger Solutions provides support to Minnesota’s food shelves to connect them with resources to serve their clients. They offer connection to individuals with Farmer Market Bucks and the Minnesota Food Helpline.

Bridge to Benefits is a project by the Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota to improve well-being of families and individuals by linking them to public work support programs and tax credits. By answering a few simple questions, you will be able to see if you or someone else may be eligible for public work support programs. They will not ask you for information that identifies you. This is a free service!

Fare For All is a great way to save money on quality, nutritious food. Food packages range from $10 to $30. They accept cash, credit, debit and EBT cards. There are no qualifications to participate. Fare for All has 38 locations throughout Minnesota where food packages are sold once a month.

Ruby’s Pantry distributes food at Pop-Up pantry locations across Minnesota and Wisconsin. There is no income or residency requirement and for a $20 bundle donation, you will receive an abundance of groceries. Ruby’s Pantry is for anyone who is looking to extend their monthly grocery budget. Guests can attend as many locations each month as wanted or needed.