Children should play…learn… do their chores. But no child should ever go hungry. Many of us associate hunger and poverty with “other” countries.

But in an era of economic uncertainty poverty is hitting closer to home. Today countless children in North America start and end their day with debilitating hunger.

In the US, for example, a record 44.5 million Americans received Food Stamps in March 2011. The US Food Stamps federal assistance program really began in 1939 as the Great Depression ended. Discontinued in 1943, it was reinstated with the Food Stamp Act of 1964. This was part of President Lyndon B Johnson’s sweeping social safety net that included instituting the popular US Medicare Program for senior citizens.

In the US, the US Food Stamp program is under attack. Certain factions in Congress are proposing cuts and changes to the Food Stamp program that will be devastating to many who depend on the program as their last defense against hunger. As an Indianlife community member, you know the importance of healthy vegetarian and vegan food. If you are in the US you can take action here to help support the US Food Stamps Program: http://www.change.org/petitions/demand-congress-continue-funding-food-stamps-end-childhood-hunger

In Canada, income disparities are growing, and so are hunger statistics for children. Many people have found themselves losing full-time jobs or a percentage of income during the recent recession. And the expansion of the “low-wage” economy continues to turn more families into the “working poor.”

Today the figures for children caught in this tragic spiral are shocking: 37.8% of food bank clients in Canada are under 18. Households with children accessing food banks make up over half of food bank recipients.

At Indianlife we donate our manufacturing overages to North American Food banks, and we’re active in groups that fight hunger, poverty and hopelessness.

You can get involved too. Donating and volunteering at your local food bank is a good start! Find out where your local food bank is in the US: http://feedingamerica.org/foodbank-results.aspx Learn where your local food bank is in Canada at http://www.cafb-acba.ca/main.cfm.

If you haven’t heard of gourmet genius Kent Rathbun, this “Iron Chef” is taking the American Southwest and the culinary world by storm.

Kent has appeared on many TV shows, and in 2008 defeated Bobby Flay on Iron Chef (the mystery ingredient was elk).

Indianlife Founder and chef Rakesh Raniga was pleased to meet Kent at the recent United Natural Foods Tabletop Show West in Portland. Kent thoroughly enjoyed sampling Indianlife’s delicious and healthy foods. Now that’s an “Iron-Clad” endorsement from an Iron Chef! Here’s a photo of Kent and Rakesh, sharing thoughts on what makes a great sauce!

Kent’s distinguished career includes creating outstanding cuisine for some of America’s most famous eateries, and for his own. His world-class restaurant in Dallas, Abacus, has been recognized in Bon Appetit’s Best of the Year 2001 issue, was named “One of the Top Meals Around the World” by USA Today, and has been inducted into the Nation’s Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame. Rathbun’s popular Jasper’s, and his other restaurants, continue to garner acclaim. Recently Kent launched his own product line for home chefs.

If you don’t know what a QR Code is, you’re not alone. They’re still kind of new and have yet to join “LOL” and “BFF” in Webster’s Dictionary.

In fact, the name “QR” stands for “Quick Response.”  QR Codes are
two-dimensional bar codes that reveal a large amount of data at high speed. They were originally used by the automotive industry to track parts.

Today they’re a savvy shopper’s—and a smart phone’s—best friend. You simply download an easy-to-use bar code scanning software APP, such as Optiscan or I-Nigma. Choose one that’s designed to work with your Smartphone. Then it’s off to the mall and start scanning. QR Codes reveal everything from discount coupons to nutritional information, or what fabrics a textile product is made of.

You’ll find Indianlife QR Codes on all our new packaging! Indianlife QR Codes take you to our website, and to terrific COUPON OFFERS for discounts on our products. But you’ll also find serving and cooking tips, meal ideas for entertaining with Indianlife products and links to our online Community.

Diabetes is really a group of metabolic diseases related to high blood sugar levels and insulin resistance. But all types of diabetes have one thing in common: they can be better managed by regular exercise and a healthy, fiber-rich vegetarian or vegan diet.

Metabolic Syndrome: the road to diabetes

Much is written today about “metabolic syndrome.” All too common in today’s society, metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical factors that wreak havoc with our insulin and blood sugar. Directly linked to an unhealthy lifestyle, untreated metabolic syndrome can lead to full-blown diabetes and heart disease.

Warning signs of metabolic syndrome include obesity, hypertension, (high blood pressure), high “bad” cholesterol levels and impaired fasting glucose levels.

Exercise is a crucial component in fighting metabolic syndrome. So is a heart-healthy diet. Luckily, healthy Indian Food is a delicious way to help keep your metabolism “syndrome free.”

Indian Food: fuel for peak metabolism

Indian Food, such as Indianlife Mattar Paneer, Vegetable Korma or Bombay Garbanzo Bean Curry entrees help combat diabetes on several levels.

The legumes in Indian Foods provide high-quality vegetarian protein. Indian dishes are low in fat, high in heart-healthy fiber and even higher in flavor. Though low calorie, they leave us feeling satisfied rather than craving sweets and “empty calories”. The whole grains and vegetables in Indian cuisine provide a wide range of nutrients, essential fatty acids and enzymes that we need in forms that are easily “bioavailable” to our bodies.

Indian Food has another important plus when it comes to fighting metabolic syndrome and controlling diabetes. The traditional spices used in Indian Food have been proven to help control blood sugar (cinnamon), lower high triglycerides (fenugreek), aid circulation, promote healthy digestion, combat heart disease (turmeric) and more.

From hearty whole grains, farm-fresh vegetables and plant-powered protein to the amazing benefits of authentic Indian spices, Indian Food delivers delicious, healthy nutrition that helps keep our metabolism at peak performance.

And the best part? Adding all-natural vegetarian and vegan Indian Foods to your daily diet is easy with Indianlife: just heat and enjoy!