Savor the Season Podcast

Savor the Season: Fueling Well in Erie & Huron Counties with ECHD

Here at the Erie County Health Department (ECHD), we believe that living well starts with eating well. And what better way to do that than by embracing the delicious and nutritious bounty of what’s in season right here in our own backyard?

Our latest “Living Well on Lake Erie” podcast episode delves deep into the world of healthy eating, with a special spotlight on the benefits of seasonal eating. If you haven’t listened yet, we highly encourage you to tune in! But for a sneak peek, let’s explore how eating with the seasons, combined with vital community resources, can truly nourish you and our local community.

The Power of Seasonal Eating

When you choose foods that are in season, you’re not just getting the freshest, most flavorful produce; you’re also benefiting from higher nutritional content. Produce picked at its peak ripeness, like the vibrant strawberries and sweet corn of summer in Ohio, holds more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to produce that’s been shipped long distances or picked prematurely.

Beyond the plate, seasonal eating offers significant advantages:

• Better Taste: There’s simply no comparison to the rich, authentic taste of a tomato grown in Ohio soil in August versus one flown in from afar in February.
• Cost Savings: When produce is abundant and locally harvested, it’s often more affordable. This is a fantastic way to eat healthy on a budget!
• Environmental Benefits: Buying local and in-season reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance transportation and supports sustainable farming practices.
• Support Local Farmers: Every purchase of seasonal produce directly supports the hardworking farmers in our region, strengthening our local economy.
• Nutritional Variety: Eating seasonally naturally encourages you to diversify your diet, ensuring you get a wider array of nutrients throughout the year.

Local Resources to Help You Eat Well

The ECHD is committed to making healthy eating accessible to everyone in Erie and Huron Counties. Our podcast episode highlights key programs designed to support this goal:

1. Erie/Huron County WIC Program: The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides vital nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and healthy food benefits to eligible pregnant and postpartum women, breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children up to age five. If you or someone you know could benefit from this program, we encourage you to learn more about their income eligibility requirements and the comprehensive support they offer. They even have a “Meet the Farmer” event series that connects WIC families directly with local agriculture and provides gardening education!
2. ECHD’s Live Well Program (Food Pantries): Food insecurity is a challenge many families face. Our Live Well program, a collaboration with the Erie County Department of Job and Family Services and OHgo, provides pop-up food pantries offering pantry staples and fresh produce to those in need. We also provide nutrition education and recipes to help participants make the most of the foods they receive. These events are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Erie County JFS office in Sandusky and the 4th Friday of each month at the Kelleys Island Health Center.
3. ECHD’s Grow Well Program (Community Garden): Imagine having access to fresh, vibrant vegetables grown right in your community! Our Grow Well program focuses on community gardening, offering opportunities for residents to participate in growing their own food. Community gardens not only provide fresh produce but also foster a sense of community, teach valuable gardening skills, and encourage outdoor activity.

Tune In and Get Involved!

We encourage you to listen to the full “Living Well on Lake Erie” podcast episode to get all the details on these fantastic programs and more insights into the world of healthy and seasonal eating. You’ll hear directly from our experts about how these initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors.

By understanding what’s in season, exploring local markets, and utilizing available resources like WIC and our Live Well and Grow Well programs, we can all take steps towards a healthier, more vibrant community here on the beautiful shores of Lake Erie.

Don’t miss out! Listen to the latest “Living Well on Lake Erie” podcast episode today and start your journey towards a healthier you and a stronger community!