March is National Nutrition Month, a great time to recommit to healthy habits—and for employers to take meaningful steps to support nutrition and well-being in the workplace. Healthy eating doesn’t just boost physical health; it can improve focus, energy, productivity, and workplace morale. Here are five practical and impactful ways workplaces can support healthy eating for employees:
1. Offer Nutritious Food Options on Site
Make the healthy choice the easy choice. If your workplace provides snacks, beverages, or meals, prioritize nutrient-rich options:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and whole-wheat products
- Lean proteins like turkey, chicken, beans, and lentils
- Water, unsweetened teas, and other low-calorie beverages
Consider removing or reducing sugary drinks and highly processed snacks. For ideas and guidance, check out the American Heart Association’s Wellness Toolkit for employers:
Wellness Toolkit (American Heart Association) — https://www2.heart.org/site/DocServer/Wellness_Toolkit_2018.pdf?docID=2584
2. Create a Culture That Encourages Healthy Choices
Healthy eating goes beyond physical food availability—culture matters.
- Set up “healthy potluck” days or nutrition challenges
- Share healthy recipes with your team
- Highlight local farmers’ markets or farm-to-work programs
A workplace culture that values wellness helps employees feel supported in making better food choices.
3. Provide Nutrition Education and Resources
Education empowers people to make informed choices. Offer:
- Lunch-and-learn sessions with a nutrition expert
- Weekly or monthly tips in company newsletters
- Links to vetted sources of nutrition information
A great resource you can share with your team is The Nutrition Source from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health:
The Nutrition Source (Harvard) — https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/
This site offers science-based guidance on healthy eating patterns, meal planning, and more.
4. Support Breaks and Time to Eat Well
Eating lunch at your desk or skipping meals contributes to poor nutrition and burnout. Encourage employees to:
- Take a real lunch break away from their workstation
- Eat mindfully without multitasking
- Enjoy social time with colleagues during meals
Consider creating inviting break areas or quiet spaces where employees can eat comfortably.
5. Incentivize Healthy Living
People respond well to positive reinforcement. Employers can:
- Offer wellness incentives tied to participation in nutrition programs
- Provide discounts or reimbursements for healthy meal subscriptions
- Partner with local gyms and wellness providers to support whole-person health
Incentives show employees that their health matters to the organization and can increase participation in wellness initiatives.
Next Steps
In honor of National Nutrition Month, we’re kicking off a year of workplace wellness tips! Sign up for Active Southern West Virginia’s New Workplace Wellness monthly newsletter to receive practical resources, expert insights, and upcoming topics on healthy eating and nutrition in the workplace.
Subscribe today and next month we’ll dive even deeper into strategies for promoting healthy eating where you work!
Stay Active!
Thank you for your commitment to making the healthier choice the easier choice for West Virginians. Together, we are creating a more resilient and thriving community.
Kelly Fox
Workplace Wellness Director
Active Southern West Virginia