As summer is getting into full swing and the days get even hotter, we are celebrating the nutritious and colorful foods that are so plentiful at this time of year. In “Food Democracy”, Melinda Hemmelgarn teaches us how to look at the food system as a sort of democracy. If we have informed choices and transparency in our food system, both local and national, then by extension, we would all be healthier and happier.

Along a similar theme, in “Veggie Nation Revolution”, we talk about the many great benefits of eating a vegetable-based diet, and include some recipes for you to serve at your next summer holiday gathering.

Happily, the Tucson healthy eating scene is always growing and changing. One such exciting addition is Tumerico, which was started last November. Read more about this vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free world cuisine business on page 29.

Local artist Barbara Brandel also knows how to play with color. Creating unique and thought-provoking collages made of stamps and other materials, she tells the stories of artisans and people she envisions from other cultures and times. See her work and delight in her methods on page 24.

Happy summer eating and playing,

Holly Baker, publisher