October is a fruitful month when it comes to food: we eat squashes and pumpkins, Halloween candy, drink Pumpkin Spice Lattes and cook cozy comfort meals such as soups. October has certainly understood the assignment and brought us four significant national food days.

Starting off strong, Oct. 1. was national taco day! It all began in 1969 in Texas when the governor declared the week of Cinco de Mayo “Taco Week.” In 2009, Del Taco declared National Taco Day to be Oct. 4. This year, Taco Bell has officially changed Taco Tuesday to now be the first Tuesday of October. Fortunately, there are a variety of businesses around UC Santa Barbara which provide the community with ample, delicious tacos. Check out Maria’s Tacos, Roger’s Tacos, Zocalo, and Super Cucas.

Grab a PSL on your next nature walk to fully immerse yourself in this fall season. Rosalia D’Acquisto / Daily Nexus

The same day, the US also celebrates National Pumpkin Spice Day. In Oct. 2003, Starbucks released the now culturally significant Pumpkin Spice Latte, changing the tastes of Americans forever. Pumpkin Spice has now been incorporated into multitudes of different recipes, so if you’re a Pumpkin Spice fan, you can be confident in your ability to secure a taste of it to celebrate the autumn season. Check out On the Menu’s “Pumpkin Spice & everything nice: Santa Barbara’s best PSLs” article to find out where to get the best PSL around UCSB.

After tacos and pumpkin spice comes National Pasta Day, landing on Oct. 17. According to National Today, 75% of people eat pasta at least once a week. For an often-hungry and pressed for time student, pasta can be a savior meal with its simple preparation and satiating nature. While the origins of pasta are not known for certain, it is rumored that Marco Polo brought pasta to Italy from his visit to China in 1271. However, this story is controversial, since it is now known that by the early 13th century, pasta was already a well-known dish in Italy. To honor this versatile, comforting and delicious staple food, try cooking a new variation of pasta and explore the wonders pasta has to offer. A run to the local grocery store can provide many options for vegetables, meats, and spices to incorporate into your dish.

Last but not least, on Oct. 30, we celebrate National Candy Corn Day.  Formerly called “Chicken Feed,” since its creation, candy corn has risen to become one of the top 10 Halloween candies for Americans. It has become so popular that it is estimated each year, the world consumes 35 million pounds of this candy. While it is a controversial candy for many, having both lovers and haters, on this National Candy Corn Day, give the colorful candy a chance and maybe even incorporate it into your baking or popcorn. 

With so many iconic foods to celebrate this month, join in the festivities to welcome the arrival of autumn and enjoy the last warm days before winter begins to creep in. Luckily, I.V. and other local restaurants and supermarkets can allow you to do just that, while also supporting local businesses.

A version of this article appeared on p. 14 of the Oct. 24, 2024 edition of the Daily Nexus.