What is the Food is Medicine Program?

The Food is Medicine program at the American Indian Center is dedicated to promoting health and wellness within our community through the revitalization and celebration of traditional foodways. This initiative integrates our rich culinary heritage into modern health practices, emphasizing the profound connection between food, culture, and health.

Why Indigenous Food Sovereignty is Important

Cultural Preservation Indigenous food sovereignty is crucial for preserving our cultural identity and heritage. Traditional foods are not only a source of nourishment but also a vessel of cultural knowledge, practices, and traditions that have been passed down through generations. By reclaiming and revitalizing these foodways, we ensure that our cultural legacy endures and thrives.

Health and Wellness Traditional indigenous diets are inherently nutritious, often comprising whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in essential nutrients. Embracing these dietary practices can combat modern health challenges such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease, which disproportionately affect our communities. Food is Medicine empowers individuals with the knowledge and skills to make healthier food choices, fostering a stronger, healthier community.

Community Resilience Indigenous food sovereignty strengthens community bonds and resilience. By cultivating, preparing, and sharing traditional foods, we reinforce social ties and create a supportive network that values and uplifts our collective well-being. Community events, cooking classes, and shared meals are integral to this process, bringing people together in celebration of our cultural heritage.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Traditional food practices are inherently sustainable, promoting environmental stewardship and the responsible use of natural resources. By supporting local agriculture and sustainable farming practices, we not only protect our environment but also ensure a reliable and healthy food supply for future generations.

Why We Do This Program

The Food is Medicine program is a cornerstone of our commitment to the holistic well-being of the Native community in Chicago. Our goals are multifaceted:

1. Promoting Health and Wellness: By reintroducing traditional foods into our diets, we aim to improve the overall health of our community members, reducing the prevalence of diet-related diseases.

2. Cultural Revitalization: We strive to keep our cultural practices alive, ensuring that the knowledge of our ancestors is passed down and continues to thrive in modern times.

3. Education and Empowerment: Through workshops, cooking demonstrations, and community events, we educate our community about the benefits of traditional foods and empower individuals to make informed, healthy choices.

4. Strengthening Community Bonds: Food has always been a central part of our communal life. By bringing people together through shared meals and food-related activities, we strengthen our community ties and foster a sense of belonging and mutual support.

5. Supporting Food Security and Sovereignty: By promoting indigenous food sovereignty, we are taking control of our food systems, ensuring that our community has access to healthy, culturally appropriate foods, and reducing dependence on external food sources.

Program Activities

Our Food is Medicine program includes a variety of activities designed to promote health, education, and cultural preservation:

• Monthly Food Box Distribution: We provide monthly food boxes containing healthy indigenous foods to community members, ensuring access to nutritious and culturally significant ingredients.

• Cooking and Gardening Workshops: These workshops focus on both food and culture, teaching participants how to grow, prepare, and cook our traditional foods and medicines. They are designed to educate and empower individuals while celebrating our culinary heritage.

• Field Trips to Indigenous Food Producers: We organize field trips to indigenous food producers, offering hands-on learning experiences and fostering a deeper connection to our food sources and the people who cultivate them.

The Food is Medicine program is more than just an initiative; it is a movement towards reclaiming our health, our culture, and our future. Join us in celebrating and supporting this vital program at our upcoming gala.