During National Nutrition Week, the City’s Health Department is encouraging residents to make nutrition and healthy living part of everyday life. National Nutrition Week is from 9 – 15 October 2026 with the theme “Food for Health, Health for All”.
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National Nutrition Week Themed – “Food for Health, Health for All.”
The City of Cape Town’s Health Department is using National Nutrition Week (9 – 15 October 2026) to remind us that healthy living starts with the small decisions we make every day. This year’s theme is: “Food for Health, Health for All.”
The initiative focuses on making nutritious food choices accessible to everyone, helping to combat lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension through better eating habits.
This year’s theme highlights the important relationship between food, health and quality of life, while recognising the need for nutritious food choices that are affordable, sustainable and culturally appropriate.
‘Healthy eating does not have to mean expensive or complicated meals. Small, practical changes can make a meaningful difference, such as including a variety of foods, choosing more vegetables and fruit, selecting healthier cooking methods, drinking water regularly, and being mindful of the amount of salt, sugar and foods high in saturated fat,’ says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health,’ Councillor Francine Higham.
Residents are Encouraged
The initiative focuses on making nutritious food choices accessible to everyone, helping to combat lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension through better eating habits. Residents are encouraged to:
- Choose a variety of foods and include vegetables and fruit as part of everyday meals.
- Reduce salt and added sugar, particularly in processed foods and sugary drinks.
- Use herbs, spices, garlic, onion, ginger and other natural flavourings to add taste while reducing reliance on salt.
- Choose water more often and be mindful of portion sizes.
- Make use of health services for appropriate Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening, including checks for conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Include regular physical activity and prioritise mental wellbeing.
- Consider starting an affordable DIY herb or vegetable garden, even in containers or small spaces.
Food For Health, Health For All
National Nutrition Week provides an opportunity to recognise that access to nutritious food and knowledge about healthy choices are important components of a healthier community.
The City encourages residents to take one small step towards better health this National Nutrition Week – whether it is reducing the amount of sugar or salt used at home, adding another vegetable to a family meal, choosing water instead of a sugary drink, getting screened for NCD risk factors, becoming more physically active, or starting a small herb or vegetable garden.
Residents who have questions about their health, including whether they should be screened for conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can speak to staff at their local City Health facility.
Appointments for City Health services can also be booked through the City’s Healthcare Appointments System, making it easier for residents to access the care they need.
Healthy eating is not about expensive ingredients or complicated recipes. It is about making informed choices, using what is available wisely, and creating sustainable habits that support the health of individuals, families and communities.
Source and References
Message and Tip
healthy living starts with the small decisions we make every day.
Health is a right for everyone, starting with what’s on your plate.
Choose fresh, whole foods to nourish your body and boost your energy levels.
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