National Food Month is celebrated in April every year. It’s the month to indulge in your favorite food or the ones you’re most interested in trying. With different food celebrated every day, you will never run out of delicious dishes to choose from. From National Burrito Day every first Thursday of April till National Raisin Day on April 30. It’s a different food experience daily. Don’t miss everything else in-between, be it a Deep Dish Pizza Day, Cinnamon Crescent Day, or Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day; this month will not disappoint your cravings.
History of National Food Month
Food gathering as a form of celebration is an integral part of human civilization. From food festivals to fancy potlucks, the history of highlighting one’s culture and identity roots back to prehistoric times. In the early stages of cultural development, the scarcity of food sources makes meals a mere form of life sustenance. However, when there’s an abundance of ingredients to cook from, sharing food in communities became a traditional practice. Greenland’s Eskimo communities conduct feasts and celebrations when there’s a surplus of meat, herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables. But back then, it wasn’t solely for human consumption. The purpose of food festivities and celebrations is to practice shamanic rites, which means to offer food to the flora and fauna spirits for animals to be supplied for future consumption.In ancient times, historians believed that Julius Caesar pioneered mass feeding. He didn’t just feed his soldiers but almost the entire Roman citizenry. About 320,000 people received food and grain as gifts. The imperative social mechanism of food giving was first called ‘potlatch’ by Marcel Mauss, a term that people from current times still recognize.In later years, food festivals became prominent. In 1746, food started to be hung in front of Naples’ palace, and commoners were allowed to grab anything they wanted. Modern food and agricultural festivals were a movement in response to the Great Depression to boost a city’s economy. They are used to advertise products and food items to help sellers earn money. This practice continued after the Depression era and slowly became a staple in celebrating culture. Today, the month of April is dedicated to celebrating food from different countries.
National Food Month timeline
Flour, bread, and soup are invented.
The Mongol Empire discovers ice cream, trading it to China and Europe.
Ravioli, lasagne, and mozzarella cheese start.
It is made by finely crushing garlic, pine nuts, basil leaves, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
National Food Month FAQs
What is the most expensive food item in the world?
Siberian sturgeon caviar.
What is the healthiest food in the world?
The healthiest food in the world includes spinach, garlic, lemons, lentils, raspberries, walnuts, avocado, and dark chocolate.
What is the most eaten meat in the world?
Pork is the most consumed meat in the world at 36% of the global intake.
National Food Month Activities
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Cook different recipes
Challenge yourself by cooking a different recipe every day. If this isn’t feasible, you may try this weekly. Make a theme for your family’s Sunday night dinner, Italian, Chinese, French, or Japanese. Let your kids choose the recipes and make it a family affair.
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Visit some local restaurants
Dining out in local restaurants will satisfy your cravings and help support local food businesses in your area. Tag along with your friends, families, and loved ones. Try something you haven’t tried before.
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Start a food blog
April is the month for writers to venture out into food blogging. Jot down the best meals you tried lately and the dishes you want to cook for yourself in the future. Use the hashtag #NationalFoodMonth and write away!
5 Decadent Food Facts
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Dark chocolate is healthy
It is known to improve one’s cholesterol level and blood pressure.
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Broccoli has more protein than steak
Broccoli is a popular meat replacement for vegans; it contains more protein than steak.
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Pistachios are not nuts
Pistachios are seeds of a fruit.
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Peanut butter can be turned into diamonds
Scientists from Bayerisches Geoinstitut found peanut butter contains carbon, which can turn it into a diamond.
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White chocolate is not real chocolate
White chocolate’s ingredients are milk products, vanilla, lecithin, and cocoa butter.
Why We Love National Food Month
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It helps the economy
Frequenting local restaurants and food shops in your town helps farmers earn more. It’s the best way to support the agricultural sector of the economy. Make sure to buy local ingredients when you shop.
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It’s a way to learn about other cultures
Food is a part of cultural identity. Trying out different food from all over the world is almost as good as traveling to other countries. Discover their native spices, local ingredients, and foreign flavors to broaden your palate.
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We love food
Loving food is the best excuse to celebrate National Food Month. Nothing beats eating your favorite meal or the food you’re most curious about.
National Food Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2024 | April 1 | Monday |
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
