1. What is nutrition month?

Nutrition month (July) is the time of the year when the public's attention is focused on nutrition along a chosen theme. It is mandated by section 7 of Presidential Decree No.491 (Nutrition Act of the Philippines, 25 June 1974), which states,

". . . The month of July shall be designated as Nutrition Month for the purpose of creating awareness among our people on the importance of nutrition. Activities shall be coordinated by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and the local governments".

Many activities can be done to make Nutrition Month more than just a celebration, transforming it into a catalyst for concerted action for nutrition improvement.

The following are some ideas for the celebration. However, these are not the only activities that could be done. The possibilities are almost endless.

a. Organize a launching activity, e.g. a press conference, a television or radio special, a concert, fair or a variety show.

b. Feature Nutrition Month 2004 and its key messages during flag ceremonies of all Mondays of July, general assemblies and other meetings of the staff

c. Hang a streamer in offices, hospitals, schools, health centers and other strategic places featuring the Nutrition Month theme.

d. Organize seminars, conferences, conventions or congresses focusing on NM concerns

e. Organize special events, e.g. poster-making contests, jingle-writing contest, quiz shows, fun runs, food fairs, exhibitions, and cooking demonstrations

f. Develop, produce and distribute various information, education and communication materials like radio and television plugs, posters, flyers, stickers, t-shirts, bags

g. Feature the importance of complementary feeding in school, hospital, and company newsletters; major dailies, and radio and television programs.

h. Sponsor a nutrition-school-on-the-air in a leading radio program