Plants as medicine

UIC’s Food Sovereignty Guide is a community-developed resource that uplifts traditional knowledges, foodways, and practices that have sustained Indigenous peoples since time immemorial. Rooted in the belief that food is medicine, this guide supports our community in reclaiming relationships with ancestral foods, land stewardship, and culturally grounded nourishment.

Created in collaboration with the Food Sovereignty Advisory Board—a circle of Indigenous chefs, growers, seedkeepers, knowledge keepers, community leaders, and youth—the guide reflects lived experiences, seasonal teachings, and local food access realities of Indigenous people living in Lenapehoking. Their guidance ensured this project remained community-centered, culturally aligned, and responsive to the needs of Indigenous families.

The Food Sovereignty Guide Volumes includes:

• Indigenous food systems by region teachings and histories
• Seasonal food-as-medicine practices
• Traditional and contemporary recipes share by community members
• Urban foraging and gardening basics
• Community stories and wisdom
• Resources for local food access, mutual aid, and cultural food initiatives in the Tri-State Area

Through this work, UIC uplifts pathways to collective wellness and food justice, supporting our community in reclaiming the right to grow, choose, and share culturally meaningful foods. The guide is available as a free downloadable resource to ensure access for all Indigenous kin.