The month of March includes both daylight savings time on March 8 and the first day of Spring on March 20. These are both happy events for the snow-weary, but there are many other observations in March. Check out our resources for National Nutrition Month, National Kidney Month, and other March 2026 dates and events. We’ve included resources for use in your employee communications.
National Nutrition Month
The National Nutrition Month campaign in the month of March was established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” focusing attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Explore their site to find weekly themes during the month, as well as nutrition tip sheets and healthy recipes.
Making small changes during National Nutrition Month and over time helps improve health now and into the future. Small changes you can make include:
- Eating breakfast every day
- Reducing added sugars and salt
- Filling half your plate with fruits and vegetables
- Eating seafood twice a week
- Making healthy snack choices
- Drinking more water
- Slowing down at mealtimes
- Reducing your portions
ESI EAP members can call to engage an EAP Wellness Coach for help with nutrition, and can log in to the Self-Help Resource Center at www.theEAP.com for more nutrition tips and resources.
National Kidney Month
Kidney disease is a condition that impacts nearly 40 million people, with an additional 700,000 suffering from kidney failure. The American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), the oldest and largest fully independent, patient-led kidney patient organization in the U.S., is raising its voice against a silent killer throughout March for National Kidney Month. Participate in programs and events, explore kidney-friendly recipes, and learn more in the Center for Patient Research and Education.
National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance invites you to “Be the energy driving a cure” during March for Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. One in 24 people will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in their lifetime and it is the deadliest cancer in people under 50 and the second deadliest overall. Raising awareness is important because it is highly preventable with screening and highly treatable when caught early. Learn more about the basics of what is colorectal cancer is, explore screening and prevention options, and take the colon cancer screening quiz
National MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Education and Awareness Month
MS is a chronic neurological condition that affects the central nervous system, which is comprised of the brain and spinal cord. For National MS Education and Awareness Month the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation designates the theme, The Whole Picture: Leading a Better Life with MS, which takes a holistic approach to MS care — because living well with MS means looking beyond just physical health. Visit the MS Education center for publications, FAQs, treatment options and more, as well as their YoutTube channel for videos and webinars.
Brain Injury Awareness Month
Every 9 seconds, someone in the US sustains a brain injury. Yet there are many misconceptions and gaps in knowledge among the general public. A brain injury affects how a person thinks, acts, and feels. The symptoms and impacts are wide ranging and can change everything about someone in a matter of seconds. For Brain Injury Awareness Month in March, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) offers educational ans support resources for survivors and caregivers.
Other Key March Dates
3/3 – World Wildlife Day
3/8 – Daylight Savings TimeDaylight Savings Time
3/8 – International Women’s Day
3/8 – 3/14 – Sleep Awareness Week
3/15 – 3/21 – National Poison Prevention Week
3/15 – 3/21 – National Drug and Alcohol Facts Week
3/20 –First Day of Spring
3/24 – American Diabetes Alert Day
3/26 – Purple Day (for Epilepsy Awareness)