Food and Nutrition

Accurate nutrition information is science-based, peer reviewed, and replicable. Since many consumers rely on nutrition information from various sources including websites, television, radio, newspapers, advertisements, friends, and family, the best way to protect against questionable health products and services is to be an informed consumer. Stay aware of the common claims and themes that accompany unreliable nutrition information, such as:

• Food fads, fad diets, health fraud, and misdirected health claims are all types of nutrition misinformation.
• Do not rely on manufacturer claims when determining if a product is safe. Instead, seek out unbiased science-based research.
• Consult a medical professional with questions about dietary supplements including vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals.

Source: Colorado State University Extension

Discover an NNLM Reading Club book, get the conversation started, and share reliable information.

Discover MedlinePlus

MedlinePlus is a service of the National Library of Medicine, the largest biomedical library in the world. Use MedlinePlus.gov anywhere, anytime, on any device - for free - to discover high-quality health and wellness information that is reliable, easy to understand, and free of advertising, in both English and Spanish.

Discover information on:

• Nutrition
• Diet myths and facts
• Healthy Recipes both in English and Spanish

Discover NIH

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the nation’s medical research agency making important discoveries that improve health and save lives. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers, each with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems.

• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) supports research on the way the body absorbs and responds to nutrients, how nutrient levels are regulated in the body through gut-brain signals, how nutrients affect the body from infancy through the aging process, and how over- or under-nutrition affect physical function and metabolism. Read their article, Some Myths about Nutrition & Physical Activity

Discover More

Good nutrition, combined with physical activity, can help you reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases, and promote your overall health. Read and share science-based information

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has produced Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030. Learn more at RealFood.org.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for protecting the public health by ensuring the safety of our nation's food supply. Food serves as a gateway to reliable information on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety for consumers, Nutrition Fact Labels that you find on packaged foods and beverages help you make informed food choices that can have positive effects on your health and wellness, 

U.S. Federal Trade Commission is the government agency assigned to protect consumers from deceptive business practices and fraudulent activities through law enforcement, advocacy, and education. Read their report, The Truth Behind Weight Loss Ads English and Spanish

The American Heart Association is dedicated to Healthy Eating for improving heart health and reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Make Every Bite a Meditation PDF

Promote Fun and Educational Activities

National Nutrition Month®, recognized each year during the month of March, is a good time to raise awareness of the importance of making informed food choices, developing sound eating habits, reducing food insecurity, and sharing nutrition information. 50 Ideas to Get Involved in National Nutrition Month® is an awareness campaign sponsored by eatright.org of The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Ask a Dietitian

Invite a local dietitian to offer a nutrition health program whether it is how to read food labels or calculate your BMI. Public health departments and supermarkets often have registered dietitians available to provide cooking and food-related programs for all ages.

Screen a Film

Nourish, a series of short PBS films, can spark a meaningful conversation about food, health, and sustainability. The DVD set comes with a curriculum and a Nourish Discussion Guide.

Plant a Seed

Create a library seed exchange program or cultivate your own edible garden with the help of community friends and partners such as County Cooperative Extension Services or a Master Gardener program. Perhaps host a local farmer's market, organize a food pantry, or sponsor a lunch program.

More ideas developed by real libraries can be found at Programming Librarian run by the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office.