The All-Vegan Indianapolis Philly is a unique offering from Black Leaf Vegan, featuring a special mozzarella vegan sauce, onions, and peppers, providing a healthy yet filling option for fairgoers that is soy-free and gluten-free.

Owned by Derrick and Taria Slack, Black Leaf Vegan is a vendor at the State Fair that has received a Health First Indiana grant from the Marion County Health Department, totaling over $100,000, to support wellness programs and events. The grant will be used to fund cooking demonstrations and programs that promote health and wellness, feeding both the mind and body.

“We believe wellness is important,” Slack said. “The grant allows us to tackle the mind, body, and soul through our FOOD program.” The FOOD program stands for Finding Opportunities to Overcome Obstacles to Development, aiming to address wellness challenges in Indiana.

Black Leaf Vegan’s initiatives, supported by the grant, aim to enhance community wellness through innovative programs and events, fostering a space for healing and creativity.

The On the Mic with Evelyn Rai is one event that will be held at Café 335 West 9th Street. Check it out on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, for live music, poetry, and discussions on health. Evelyn Ray highlighted the importance of music and spoken word as healing tools, noting the vibrant artist community in Indianapolis.

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Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County is celebrating its 50th anniversary with the return of its largest fundraiser, Dancing with Our Stars, on Sept. 4 at Embassy Suites in Noblesville.

The event, sponsored by Community Health Network, features local professional dancers paired with Hamilton County celebrities competing for the title of Dancing with Our Stars Champions 2025. Audience members can vote for their favorite dancers to win the People’s Choice Award, with votes accepted both in-person and online.

Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County has been delivering over 200 nutritious meals daily since 1975, helping individuals live independently. The meals are prepared in state-approved healthcare facilities and tailored by registered dietitians to meet specific dietary needs.

The Dancing with Our Stars event is crucial for funding the organization’s mission to provide medically tailored meals to the elderly, those with disabilities, and individuals facing food insecurities in Hamilton County.

Despite recent federal funding cuts affecting some national programs, Meals on Wheels of Hamilton County remains financially stable due to limited reliance on federal funds and strong local support.

The event will feature professional dancers such as Rob Jenkins and Natasha Cox, alongside Hamilton County celebrities like Ashley Mandery and Erika Ross.

Tickets, donations, and votes for the event can be made at mealsonwheelshc.org, and further information is available by contacting Meals on Wheels at 317-776-7159.

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We all want to feed our families fresh, healthy foods, but some items in your kitchen may be doing more harm than good.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says tens of millions of Americans get sick from contaminated food every year, including food labeled organic. Last year alone, food recalls tied to E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria jumped by 41%, while related hospitalizations and deaths more than doubled.

In its latest food safety report, Consumer Reports identified several common grocery items as top offenders for contamination:

• Leafy greens and deli meats
• Onions, cucumbers, organic carrots, and organic basil
• Eggs, raw milk and raw milk cheeses
• Soft cheeses like queso fresco

Experts say contamination can happen anywhere, from the farm to processing plants to your own kitchen.

To reduce your risk of foodborne illness, Consumer Reports recommends the following safety steps:

• Always cook meat to the correct internal temperature using a food thermometer
• Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and fresh produce
• Thoroughly clean countertops and surfaces
• Avoid rinsing raw meat, which can spread bacteria around your sink area
• Store meat on the lowest shelf in the fridge
• Don’t leave food sitting out for more than two hours, or just one hour if it’s hot outside

Other risky items include raw sprouts, shellfish like oysters, uncooked flour, and unpasteurized juices, all of which have been tied to recent outbreaks.

Experts say staying informed and using smart food safety practices can go a long way in keeping your kitchen safe and your family healthy.

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