WHEREAS, food is essential to life, serving not only as nourishment but also as a foundation for health, well-being, and cultural identity; and

WHEREAS, the type, quality, and quantity of food and beverages individuals consume each day play a critical role in supporting physical, mental, and emotional health; and

WHEREAS, nutritional needs evolve throughout the lifespan, and adopting a healthy dietary pattern can help maintain wellness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases at every stage of life; and

WHEREAS, individual food choices are shaped by cultural traditions, personal preferences, health needs and access to resources, and honoring this individuality is essential to building effective nutrition programs; and

WHEREAS, food availability and access are influenced by broader systems including agriculture, the economy, and public policy; and

WHEREAS, the 2026 National Nutrition Month theme, "Discover the Power of Nutrition," encourages individuals and communities to recognize how daily food and beverage choices shapes long-term health outcomes, and empower Nevadans to thrive through informed healthful decisions; and

WHEREAS, in Nevada, only 5.7% of adults consume an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables per day, and 34% of adults are classified as obese, highlighting the need to increase accessible nutrition education, healthy food options, and statewide wellness initiatives; and

WHEREAS, the State of Nevada recognizes the importance of supporting nutrition initiatives and is working to improve the quality of life for those in need by enhancing resources to address and resolve gaps and health disparities in nutrition services, agriculture and programming for all life stages and cultures through a sustainable food system; and

WHEREAS, the Nevada Department of Human Services and the Nevada Department of Agriculture continue to collaborate in delivering impactful nutrition education, programming, and outreach to communities statewide;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOE LOMBARDO, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, do hereby proclaim the month of March 2026 as

NUTRITION MONTH IN NEVADA