The summer solstice has arrived, marking the longest day and the peak of yang energy. After today, the heat will only intensify. Traditional Chinese medicine considers the summer solstice a crucial juncture of yin and yang transition. At this time, the focus of health preservation is on clearing heat and relieving summer heat, nourishing qi and yin, and maintaining a light diet with less oil and salt to allow the body to gracefully welcome the height of summer.

Recently, we received a large batch of donated supplies, including "egg waffle premix powder." We distributed these supplies to our neighbors so everyone could easily make snacks at home. We also received many photos of their finished products from our neighbors! Who knew that a simple packet of premix powder, with a simple change of cooking method, could produce golden-brown hotcakes and waffles!

Are you aware of the reason Mai Po is referred to as "Miu Po"? It turns out that rice was once grown here! The name "Miu Po" (meaning "rice paddy") comes from the large brackish water rice paddies that Mai Po once had in addition to shrimp ponds. WWF Hong Kong has recently been experimenting with rice farming once more in the Mai Po Nature Reserve, not only carrying on its tradition but also offering a varied habitat for migrating birds, even if the rice paddies are no longer visible.

The Food Commons Foundation's annual volunteer event was particularly memorable this year since WWF Hong Kong invited us to take part in the "Wetlands Tasting." We have always been interested in food conservation, so Mai Po invited us. This event gave everyone the chance to learn more about the origins of food and how wetlands support both human life and the natural world.

Have you been feeling heavy and lacking appetite lately?

That's because it's Grain in Ear (Mangzhong)! Grain in Ear is the third solar term of summer, and with this time of year, Hong Kong's humid heat is truly unbearable! The stuffy, damp weather easily leads to stomach upset and lethargy! During these rainy and humid days, remember to eat foods that dispel dampness and strengthen the spleen; you'll feel much better!

In April, Hong Kong is filled with the growing warmth and humidity of early summer. As temperatures rise, volunteers sweat more as they work the streets, but their enthusiasm for saving food remains undiminished! In April, we shared a rich and diverse range of supplies! Besides the familiar bread and hot meals, we received over two thousand items of fruit, canned goods, and packaged food. These extra acts of kindness provided more balanced choices for the community's underprivileged residents, filling each sharing session with the smiles of satisfied neighbors.

We cordially invite you to register as a volunteer. Your participation will help ensure these saved food supplies reach those in need more effectively!

To register as a volunteer, please scan the QR code or click the link:

https://www.foodcommons.hk/tc/volunteers

The wheat grains are gradually filling out, and the early signs of summer are in full bloom. Today marks the "Grain Buds" solar term, signifying that crops are beginning to plump up, but are not yet fully ripe. At this time, temperatures rise, rainfall is abundant, and humidity and heat intertwine. Health preservation should focus on "clearing heat and removing dampness, nourishing the heart and strengthening the spleen," and the diet should be light and refreshing to prepare for the height of summer.