Harris County Public Health Offers Free Classes, Guidance for National Nutrition Month

Harris County Public Health announced a month-long schedule of free nutrition education and physical-activity classes and events, framing the push as a local observance of National Nutrition Month® under the theme "Discover the Power of Nutrition." The agency released the calendar in a March 4, 2026 press release and cited the 2024 Chronic Diseases in Harris County Report showing a 29.8% increase in deaths from diabetes and a 3.1% increase in deaths from heart disease to justify the prevention effort, adding that "These increases highlight the importance of prevention efforts focused on healthy eating and active living."

The department, identified in the release as "the local public health agency for the Harris County, Texas jurisdiction," said the National Nutrition Month® campaign was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, described in the release as "the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals" that is "committed to improving the nation's health through research, education, and public policy efforts." HCPH spelled out the 2026 theme and messaging, noting the theme "highlights how food and beverage choices can power your day and support long-term health" and urging communities to "explore practical ways to access healthy foods and build sustainable healthy eating and physical-activity."

HCPH listed scheduled classes that it described as free and located in community centers, parks, and library branches across Harris County. The events begin March 10 with Reading Nutrition Facts Labels and a Cooking Demonstration for adults at Fonteno Community Center, 10:30–11:30 a.m. On March 12, 10–11 a.m., the department will hold Nutrition for Youth at Mary Jo Peckham Park 2. Pasadena Library hosts Nutrition for Healthy Living for adults on March 19, 6–7 p.m. Maud Marks Library will run Physical Activity Fundamentals for adults on March 24, 2–3 p.m. High Meadows Branch Library will host Heart Health Series Class 1 for adults on March 25, 6–7 p.m. On March 26 there are two sessions: Nutrition for Healthy Living for adults at Mangum Howell Community Center, 10–11 a.m., and Physical Activity Fundamentals for adults at Tracy Gee, 1–2 p.m.

HCPH framed the local schedule as practical prevention work, saying the classes "help participants build practical skills they can use every day to support long-term health." The release reminded readers of the stakes driving the campaign, stating that "Poor nutrition can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain cancers." The department also noted it "is encouraging community members to make healthier food choices to improve overall well-being and lower the risk of chronic diseases."

The department used social media to amplify the observance; an Instagram fragment from HCPH read in part, "March is National Nutrition Month®, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) is highlighting the importance of making healthy food choices and developing." The press release makes clear the scheduled classes run March 10 through March 26, 2026, as part of the county’s broader effort to translate the 2024 chronic-disease trends into community-level education and prevention.