AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Life’s most treasured and toughest times often involve food. From laughter and celebration to tears and heartbreak, food has a special way of fitting the moment and connecting people. That was the inspiration for this year’s National Nutrition Month theme, “Food Connects Us,” which reflects the complexity of food along with its roles in cultures, families, friendships and health. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics hosts the annual campaign for National Nutrition Month every March.

“Food is a bridge between every person, no matter the background, language or culture,” said Carol Connell, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System human nutrition, diet and health specialist. “Food not only connects us to our own families, friends and culture but it also connects us to the global community.”

Connections Across the World

In the 1960s, Julia Child introduced Americans to the world of French cuisine. Through her cookbook, “Mastering the Art of French Cooking,” and television show, “The French Chef,” Child took people’s tastebuds on an exploration of a culture unlike their own. Boeuf bourguignon may sound like an exotic dish, but Child’s readers and viewers quickly discovered that it is simply a French version of beef stew. Child’s efforts showcased that while cooking methods and flavors can differ, there are similarities between the two cultures and their food. That statement rings true of cultures across the globe.

“Food is a great way to learn about the differences between cultures as well as the commonalities,” Connell said. “Many cultures share common staple foods that make up a dominant portion of the people’s diet. The most common staple foods are corn, rice, wheat, potatoes, cassava, plantains and soybeans.”

While they are shared among different cultures, these staple foods also showcase each culture’s distinct flavors and cooking methods. Take cornmeal, for example. There are many cultures that use this staple to make a fried bread. However, the hushpuppies found in the southern U.S. are vastly different from the corn tortillas popular in Mexican cuisine.

Breaking Bread, Building Bonds

Food also connects individuals personally. It’s been said that people don’t get to know each other until they share a meal. Whether it be friends, family or someone new, talking over a meal can help people feel more comfortable and open.

“Sharing food helps us deepen friendships and make new ones, as we talk during meals,” Connell said. “Sharing food with our family can help connect us to our history and culture through stories of where the food came from, how it is prepared and maybe who in the family began the tradition of serving it.”

Food can also be there for people in times joy or discomfort. Think about many of the television shows that have aired over the years. Oftentimes, when a character has exciting news or is dealing with a problem, food is present. For example, in an episode of “The Golden Girls,” the Sophia Petrillo character said, “Do you know how many problems we have solved over a cheesecake at this kitchen table?” Many people can relate to that, reflecting the diverse roles of food in daily life.

Benefits of Shared Meals

While the types of food included in people’s diets are impactful to their overall health, enjoying regularly shared meals can also have an impact on health. Connell said there are positive benefits to meals, whether they are shared with family or outside the family environment.

“Sharing a meal is a great opportunity to learn how we are similar in both our humanity and our need for healthy and enjoyable food,” Connell said. “There has been a great deal of research done on the benefits of shared or communal meals. It turns out that they are not just physical but also developmental and mental.”

For young children, regular shared meals give them a sense of stability and security. They also help in language and social development, and the children often have a more positive relationship with food. In adolescents and teenagers, there is often increased self-esteem, reduced depression levels and improved academic performances among those who have regular shared meals.

“For adults, sharing meals both in and outside of the home can strengthen relationships, increase their consumption of fruits and vegetables and promote collaborations and creativity in the workplace,” Connell said. “As adults get older, these meals help them improve diet quality, continue connecting with others and maintain cognitive function.”

Make it a Habit

It can be challenging to get in the habit of sharing meals on a regular basis. Connell said it is important to acknowledge these challenges and take small steps to creating the habit.

• Find a routine that works for you. Prioritize shared meals but be flexible.
• Plan simple meals, and involve the whole family.
• Turn off screens and devices during mealtime.
• Focus on warm conversations and positive experiences.

“Enjoy a variety of foods, share the recipes’ origins with family or friends and use these meals as opportunities to learn how foods are different yet common across the globe,” Connell said.