This is a very brief episode of the food literacy podcast so as usual pay attention to the show notes for what we hope is useful information. More importantly, I want to make sure to thank all of the people and organizations I work with throughout the year.

The new year is just about 7 weeks away and 39 days away from the winter solstice and the journey of the return of the sun and longer days. Spring arrives in just 128 days from the date of this recording. The last frost date is usually reported as April 15th for our USDA hardiness zone 6a but we know better and recommend using May 1st as the last frost date. There is no certainty about frost dates. See the chart here with a planting schedule for various crops and flowers you may find useful.

Here is an excellent article about the benefits of gardening that I think you will enjoy.

On the food as medicine front, I have a link to an American College of Lifestyle publication of 23 articles regarding food as medicine.

Finally, we have heard a lot about the impact sugar consumption has on health, so here is an article about how low sugar consumption early in life may cut the risk of developing chronic diseases later in life. Perhaps these offerings will help you and your family make food choices during the upcoming holiday season.

I will close this brief episode before returning in December and beyond with plenty of information regarding programs from Chicago Grows Food and our partners. Have a wonderful holiday, and if possible, spend quality time with family and friends. Peace!

Contact Orrin Williams at orrinw@uic.edu

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the University of Illinois at Chicago, the OCEAN-HP, or the CPHP. The material and information presented here are for general information purposes only. While the podcast is designed to promote the development of healthy communities through food literacy, we offer no health advice and encourage our listeners to seek guidance from their healthcare providers.