October- ReFresh 2024 Newsletter 9

Welcome to your ninth ReFresh newsletter of the season! As we dive into the season of cozy fall flavors and community gatherings, we’re excited to bring you the latest updates, recipes, and events to keep you informed and inspired. From nutrient-packed ingredients like komatsuna and delicious, heart-healthy recipes, to events like the upcoming PNM Albuquerque Community Assistance Fair, we’re here to support your wellness journey with resources and tips tailored just for you!
In this newsletter, you will find:
– ReFresh post-survey flyer.
– Learn more about microgreens and their health benefits in the “Featured Bag Item” section.
 – Learn about winter herbs and veggies in the “Gardening” section.
– A few simple recipes that you can make with the fresh ingredients in your ReFresh bag!
–  Check out the information for the Community Art Studio, Free Flu Shots, the PNM Albuquerque Community Assistance Fair, and the Día de los Muertos Friendsgiving Celebration in the “Community Resource” section.
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and thank you for your participation as we work together to build a healthy local food system.
Text your questions, photos, and comments to: ‪(505) 226-3707‬.

Featured Bag Item

What are microgreens and what are their health benefits? 
This week, we are featuring microgreens from a local urban microgreens farmer, Pam Otero. See the below handout shared by them.

Have more questions about food and nutrition? Send your questions to [email protected]

Gardening


Recipes We Love!

Sunshine Roll-Ups

This recipe is rich in protein and vitamin C. You can substitute chicken with grilled tofu. Adding the microgreens from your ReFresh bag is a great way to boost this dish’s vitamin and mineral content.
Click here for the full recipe!
 
Mediterranean Baked Sweet Potatoes
This Mediterranean-inspired dish brings together the nutritional benefits of sweet potatoes, chickpeas, and fresh herbs for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Sweet potatoes are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports eye health and boosts immunity [5]. They’re also packed with fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels [5].
 
The chickpeas provide plant-based protein and are high in folate, iron, and magnesium, supporting muscle health and energy levels [6]. Topped with a creamy garlic-herb sauce and fresh parsley, this meal is loaded with antioxidants and heart-healthy nutrients, making it a flavorful way to nourish your body.
You can check out the full recipe here.
Quinoa Risotto with Arugula-Mint Pesto

This quinoa risotto recipe combines the protein power of quinoa with a fresh, nutrient-dense arugula and mint pesto. Quinoa is a complete protein, rich in fiber, iron, and magnesium, which support muscle health, energy production, and balanced digestion [7,8]. The arugula and mint pesto adds vitamins A and C for immune support, while healthy fats from olive oil help with nutrient absorption and heart health [9,10]. Altogether, this dish provides a nourishing, flavorful way to enjoy a plant-based, protein-packed meal!
For the full recipe, click here.
5. Julson E. 6 Surprising Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes. Healthline. Published January 9, 2019. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sweet-potato-benefits
6. Elliott B. 8 Great Reasons to Include Chickpeas in Your Diet. Healthline. Published May 7, 2018. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/chickpeas-nutrition-benefits
7. Kubala J, Gunnars K. Quinoa: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits. Healthline. Published January 5, 2022. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/8-health-benefits-quinoa
8. How Healthy Is Quinoa? Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/quinoa-benefits
9. The Science-Backed Benefits Of Superfood Arugula. HealthifyMe. Published June 29, 2022. https://www.healthifyme.com/blog/arugula/
10. Riolo R, De Rosa R, Simonetta I, Tuttolomondo A. Olive Oil in the Mediterranean Diet and Its Biochemical and Molecular Effects on Cardiovascular Health through an Analysis of Genetics and Epigenetics. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(24):16002. Published 2022 Dec 15. doi:10.3390/ijms232416002
Recipes by 1) Food Hero 2) Minimalist Baker, 3) Good Housekeeping

Community Resources

Artstreet Community Art Studio

  • Price: FREE!
  • When: Every fourth Friday of the month from 3:00-5:00 pm.
  • Where: Downtown Public Library. 501 Copper NW
  • Contact: 505-768-5141
Albuquerque Healthcare for the Homeless is excited to collaborate with ArtStreet to host a community art studio, bringing together creativity and healing. This event offers a safe and welcoming space where people from all walks of life can express themselves through art.
Free Flu Shots!

  • Price: FREE!
  • When: Saturdays from October 12th until Nov 2nd.
  • Where: Location varies! Check the image above.
Stay healthy this season by getting your free flu shot! Our flu shot clinics are open to the public and offer free vaccinations to help protect you and your loved ones from the flu. No appointment is necessary, and everyone is welcome.
Día de los Muertos Friendsgiving Celebration

  • Price: Cost varies! $10 for Children, $25 for Adults, $50 for Families of 4.
  • When: Saturday, November 16th, 2024.
  • Where: 907 4th St SW, Albuquerque, NM.
Join Encuentro for a vibrant Day of the Dead celebration filled with music, culture, and community! Enjoy a lively evening with karaoke, dancing, traditional food and drinks, live music, and fun family activities. This festive event is a beautiful way to honor loved ones and embrace the rich traditions of Día de los Muertos.
PNM Albuquerque Community Assistance Fair

Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 2nd, and head to Albuquerque High School from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM for this annual, family-friendly event! This free fair offers income-qualified New Mexicans access to 45 organizations providing support for food, utilities, housing, medical needs, employment, senior services, and more.
Learn more at www.PNM.com/assistancefair

This Week’s ReFresh bag:

This week your Refresh bag will include many of the following delicious fresh and staple items:
*NM grown / NM made We raise money to purchase these foods from local farmers and food producers as a concrete way to invest in our local food system and get delicious, fresh, local food to our ReFresh families. Keep an eye out for these local farms and food businesses when you do your food shopping. ReFresh bags will always include local food items.

Thank You!

Special thanks to all of the farmers and food producers working so hard to feed our communities; our partner organizations who helped to recruit ReFresh families: Kids’ Cook, Together for Brothers, Working Classroom, Mandy’s Farm, New Mexico Asian Family Center, SOL Housing, and YES Housing; to the staff, volunteers, donors, and ReFresh families who make the program work, and to our partners at MoGro Mobile Grocery, who pack these beautiful ReFresh bags each week for us, and who do so much important work connecting communities to healthy food throughout New Mexico. There would be no ReFresh program without all of you – we love our partners!
– All of us at Three Sisters Kitchen
Follow us on our social media. Click on the icons below!