March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, a time to support nutrition, wellness, and food sovereignty in Native communities. Nutrition plays a major role in preventing conditions highlighted in March, including diabetes, kidney disease, colorectal cancer, and developmental disabilities, all of which are recognized during this month’s national health observances.
Promoting good nutrition helps strengthen overall health, support energy levels, reduce stress, and improve long‑term wellness for all ages
Why Nutrition Matters in Native Communities
Good nutrition is essential for preventing chronic diseases and improving community wellness. National Nutrition Month promotes healthy eating patterns and encourages culturally respectful approaches to food and nourishment. It also supports awareness around several March health focuses such as kidney health, colorectal cancer prevention, and developmental disabilities.
Healthy eating is a powerful tool for individuals, families, and Tribal communities working to strengthen long‑term health.
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Simple Ways to Support Your Nutrition This Month
Choose nutrient dense foods
Add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and fiber rich foods. Include traditional foods whenever possible, such as fish, berries, roots, game, and locally gathered or grown produce.
Stay hydrated
Water supports digestion, organ function, and overall wellness. March also includes World Water Day, which highlights the importance of safe and accessible water for all communities.
Build balanced meals
Try creating meals that include vegetables or fruits, a source of protein, a whole grain or starchy food, and healthy fats. Small everyday choices can reduce the risk of chronic disease.
Move your body regularly
Physical activity supports appetite regulation, digestion, heart health, and mental well‑being. Walking, cultural dance, canoeing, gathering, or playing with children are all meaningful ways to stay active.
Use community food resources when needed
Food insecurity affects many Native families. Community food boxes, produce distributions, nutrition classes, and Elders’ meal programs can help ensure access to nourishing foods.
Teach youth healthy habits
Cooking with kids, gardening, seed starting, and choosing healthy snacks together help build lifelong habits that strengthen family health and cultural connection.
Tribal Wellness Services:
Diabetes Prevention & Management
In an effort to combat the growing epidemic of diabetes in American Indian and Alaska Native communities, the Samish Indian Nation Diabetes Program provides a variety of services to help delay or prevent a diabetes diagnosis while also reducing the risk of complications. These services are designed to educate tribal citizens on the risk factors of diabetes while encouraging prevention and management, physical fitness, nutrition, foot care, and vision care.
Eligibility Requirements:
You must be an enrolled Samish tribal citizen.
You must reside in our 12-County Service Area (Clallam, Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, or Whatcom County)
Online Diabetes Application
If you would like us to send you an application with paid return postage, please reach out to diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Services We Currently Offer:
Diabetes Care Incentive Program:
This initiative is designed to support and encourage citizens in managing their diabetes and health while recognizing their dedication to wellness. Eligible participants may receive incentives per completed activity. Qualifying activities include:
- Eye Exam (once per year)
- Dental Cleaning / Exam (twice per year)
- Foot Exam (once per year)
- A1C Test (twice per year)
To utilize this program, you must be enrolled in the diabetes program.
To receive the incentive, you can submit this form:
Diabetes Care Incentive Program Verification Form or provide other proof of appointment such as a visit summary or EOB.
Email forms to
diabetes@samishtribe.nsn.us.
Open to All Samish Citizens in Our Service Area:
Samish Fitness Challenges
In 2026, the Wellness Program will offer quarterly fitness challenges for all Samish citizens ages 5 and older who reside in Washington State. Each challenge features a tiered reward system with incentives designed to encourage participation at every fitness level. Everyone is welcome to join, stay active, and work toward their personal wellness goals.
For more information including registration, activity log submissions, and upcoming challenges,
click here.
Local Residents (Skagit County)
Farm to Table Program:
The Samish Farm to Table Program provides a biweekly produce box pick‑up in partnership with the Puget Sound Food Hub. Fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables are available for Samish citizens at the Cannery Atrium located at 715 Seafarers Way, Anacortes, WA 98221. This program is open to all Samish citizens, and there is no income limit to participate. Our goal is to increase access to nutritious foods while supporting local growers and promoting community wellness.
Due to the popularity of the program, a waitlist may occur. If you would like to be added to the waitlist, please still submit an application. Additional boxes may become available on a week‑to‑week basis, and we can notify you if any produce boxes go unclaimed or are not picked up.
Sign-ups for this service is required: Farm to Table Sign Up Sheet 2026