National Nutrition Month festivities were kicked off at Gannon University in Erie, PA with a special visit from Erie County Executive Mark DiVecchio. He presented a proclamation to the University recognizing March as National Nutrition Month and stating the vital role that proper nutrition and nutrition education plays in the overall health of individual.

“The proclamation was a fantastic way to recognize the importance of National Nutrition Month,” said Kathy Gonzalez, Med, RD, LDN, vice president of Nutrition Education Services, Metz & Associates, Ltd. “What made it even more special was the fact that Mr. DiVecchio was a graduate of Gannon University.”

A luncheon and program followed the signing of the proclamation, featuring speakers including Harold Leininger, president of Metz &Associates, Ltd., who highlighted the importance of nutrition in all facets of the company’s business. He also spoke to the importance of partnerships in educating both our youth and adults on the vital role of nutrition in the world today. Gonzalez then addressed the crowd of students, faculty and guests, covering various topics relating to nutrition and brought attention to an array of handouts and educational materials available and on display for everyone.

In keeping with this year’s “Eat Right” theme of National Nutrition Month, the Metz team at Forbes Regional Hospital Campus planned a wide variety of activities. A display cooking area featured Metz Chef Greg Fried preparing healthy meals, including Asian noodle bowls and stir fry’s. Registered Dietitians presented educational sessions on topics including Bone Health, Go Green with Organic Foods, Dietary Fats & Cholesterol and Everyday Herbs. A representative of McGinnis Sisters, a local food shop, was also on hand to provide a sampling of different olives and cheeses, along with nutritional information and recipes. “We realize that many people love to snack on these items, so we decided to educate them on the various types, in addition to providing nutritional information and highlighting healthy recipes using olives and cheeses,” Gonzalez said.

The Metz team of registered dietitians at Mercy Hospital in Scranton, PA presented several Lunch & Learn lectures for hospital employees on topics such as the beneficial role of potassium in cardiac health and breakfast on the run. A healthy breakfast menu sampling was held for the nursing staff of the oncology unit and healthy menu items were featured on patient trays in the surgery units. Several of the dietitians traveled to area schools to present interactive nutrition classes on healthy snacking for students and also provided tips on improving the eating habits of kids for an area PTA.

At B. Braun Medical Products in Allentown, PA, presentations were held on whole grains and fiber, label reading, portion distortion and fat control. Throughout the month, a nutritional information table was on display and “Eat this Not That” demonstrations were held. Healthy menu items were also showcased each day, along with nutritional information and nutrition related games and contests.

The festivities at RiverWoods, a senior living community near Lewisburg, PA, included a “Use this not That” display that featured a wide array of products to use instead of salt to add flavor to foods and a “Spice it Up Display,” which provided an array of fresh spice samples and an overview of their uses. A hit with residents, the spice display explained the flavor levels of each spice and gave tips on creating unique spice blends.

“Metz & Associates is a company committed to the importance of proper nutrition and nutrition education,” Gonzalez said. “In addition to the month-long special activities we provided for our clients and our guests, Metz president, Harold Leininger, also recognized the 40 registered dietitians we have on staff with a special letter of thanks for an important job well done to each of them in honor of National Registered Dietitian Day on March 11.”

Metz & Associates, Ltd., a premier food service company for the Northeast United States, provides dining and environmental management to clients such as hospitals, assisted living & long-term care facilities, school districts and independent schools, colleges and universities and corporate offices. For more information on Metz & Associates, Ltd., visit our website at www.metzltd.com or call 570-675-8100.