http://www.flickr.com/photos/37884983@N03/with/3601024151/

This week I had my first asparagus of the season. Raw, steamed, grilled or cooked in a dish – I love asparagus. If you don’t have some in your garden (I don’t) check out your local farm gate or look for Ontario asparagus in the grocery store. Find new recipes in your favourite cookbook, search online or check out Foodland Ontario.

I’m not an expert gardener myself but it’s a lot of fun to be able to grow and eat your own produce and herbs if you have the yard or patio space for gardens or containers.

Looking for info on growing culinary herbs? Check out the Ontario  Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s fact sheet.

Please attend our community meeting to learn more and share your ideas!

Where – Stanley Community Centre just west of Varna
When – Wednesday May 8th from 6pm to 9pm
Refreshments available – doors open at 5:30
Please call or email to register:
Janice Dunbar 519.482.3416 ext.2255
jdunbar@huroncounty.ca

What we hope to achieve:
1. Create unified/common understanding of a sustainable food system in Huron
2. Bring learning from other rural areas engaged in sustainable food system efforts
3. Build momentum and leadership for a sustainable food system in Huron County

Some questions we hope to answer:
1. What does the system look like?
2. What are the missing pieces?
3. Who are the key players in the system?
4. Where are you? How do you fit within the food system?

Did you know it also means you should be checking when you last had a tetanus booster?

Tetanus spores are found in the soil and can enter the body through a wound contaminated with dust or soil. The death rate associated with a tetanus infection is 10% to 80%.

Children should receive a primary series of vaccinations that include tetanus. Adults require a tetanus booster every 10 years.

If you are needing a tetanus booster talk to the health unit or your health care provider about receiving the combination vaccine that protects you from  tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough).

I just thought I’d let you know that I tried the recipe you posted. I reduced the various ingredients as I didn’t do a whole chicken, I just did 2 skinless chicken legs. The lemon and spices, along with a hint of honey make it an absolutely delicious meal! I served steamed asparagus and parsley-roasted baby potatoes with it…YUM!

Last week’s recipe was for Lemony-Honey Glazed Roasted Chicken (PDF). So if you like lemon, herbs and honey – check this recipe out.

Immunization protects individuals and communities by preventing the spread of disease. As more people are immunized the disease risk for everyone is reduced. Immunization has probably saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health intervention. Immunization is the single most cost-effective health investment, making it a cornerstone in the effort to promote health.

Click to learn more about immunization.

For children, early tooth loss caused by dental decay can result in failure to thrive, impaired speech development, poor nutrition and reduced self-esteem.

No matter what your age, taking care of your teeth is important.

• Starting from Infancy – Wiping baby’s gums is important even before teeth emerge. When baby has a few teeth, begin brushing with a soft brush and no tooth paste until your child is 3 years old.
• Be choosy when it comes to Food and Drink – Limit or avoid sugary drinks. Quench your thirst with water. Try to save sweet and sticky foods for when you’ll be able to brush your teeth afterwards. Healthy eating is good for your teeth too.
• Remember Two for Two – Brush your teeth at least twice per day for two minutes each time. And floss daily.
• Get Regular Dental Check-ups – At least once per year.

There are some services available for families experiencing financial hardships. Learn more on our website or call 519.482.3416.

Showing off my socks

Please remember to fill out our survey. We want to hear from you! Chance to win a $25 gift card.

Today I wore my blue and white striped socks to raise awareness of World Down Syndrome Day.

It’s all about accepting and celebrating it’s okay to be different. I really like this message. It translates to so many other situations in our lives including the foods we eat.

The foods we eat are influenced by our:

• Ethnic backgrounds,
• Religious or moral beliefs,
• Community and household cultures (both where we live now and where we grew up),
• Food skills we have, and
• Priorities (taste, nutrition, convenience, cost).

As well as, what’s available (at home, work, school and elsewhere) and even the media (newspapers, magazines, television, radio, etc.).

As a result the foods that are common to you might be uncommon for me (and vice versa). Although food often brings us together, it can also set us apart. By learning about and respecting differences we can be more accepting of different people, experiences and even, foods.

The staff here at the Here on Food blog want to find out how we can make the blog better, and we need your help!

Please take a minute to fill out this short survey.

Once you complete the survey, you will have a chance to enter  for a chance to win a $25 gift card for a local business in your area.