March is National Nutrition Month® with the theme of Food Connects Us. Besides nourishment, food provides unthought-of benefits.

Having warm conversation with family members over dinner or while eating a snack with a friend provides a sense of belonging. Building a social network and camaraderie with others has a profound impact on long-term health and longevity.

Children reap huge benefits of connecting through food at family mealtimes. This includes improved academic performance and better social and emotional health.

Ever noticed that the tastiest meals are often prepared with love? Cooks transform ingredients into something of beauty to share. Aromas from the kitchen have the power to connect us to our fondest memories.

Special memories from rituals usually include food and beverages. Consider holiday meals, parties and any other gatherings you grew up with. Guests expect cake or another sweet item at a birthday party and often turkey at Thanksgiving.

We can also connect to other cultures through food. A friend from a different culture shares part of their heritage by sharing their food. Visiting an ethnic restaurant to enjoy a different cuisine can feel like a miniature holiday.

Food connects us to our ancestors. Some families have specific recipes or cooking methods that have been passed down, or a sourdough bread starter that has been fed for generations.

Food connects people to the earth. Traditional recipes use ingredients that grow well with the climate, terrain and on land available for farming.

Food connects us to those who work hard to produce it. When visiting a farmers’ market we may connect to growers by asking about the varieties they plant and their farming methods. We may connect to food artisans and chefs about how they prepared the delicious food.

What meaningful ways does food connect you to others?