Welcome to your first ReFresh newsletter of the 2026 Summer/Fall Season! Summer is all about finding things to help you keep cool. So while the temperature heats up outside, check out some delicious recipes using our fresh local produce.
In this newsletter, you will find:
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Community Health Programs information,
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Pam Otero’s Food Is Function Section.,
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Information about Summer Squash and its health benefits,
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Information about planting starter tomatoes in the “Gardening” section,
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A few simple recipes that you can make using fresh ReFresh bag ingredients, and
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Local resources!
We hope you enjoy this newsletter and thank you for your participation as we work together to build a healthy local food system.
Next ReFresh distribution: July 29 and 30th, 2026
Text your questions to: (505) 226-3707.
Community Health Programs
ReFresh
Please, if you have not filled out the ReFresh Pre-Survey, it is required to participate in the program. Thank you!
ReFresh PreSurvey
Welcome to the new season for ReFresh! Here is the calendar for the Summer/Fall season. Please take the printed version that came in your ReFresh bag and post it to your fridge so you don’t forget a pick-up date!
¡Bienvenidos a la nueva temporada de ReFresh! Aquí tienen el calendario para la temporada de verano y otoño. ¡Guárdalo al sacar el contenido de su bolsa ReFresh y colóquelo en el refrigerador para que no se les pase ninguna fecha de recogida!
ReFresh Cooking Classes
Note: You can only sign up for one class at a time. The next class is August 18th.
Register HERE
Nota: Solo puede inscribirse en una clase a la vez. La próxima clase es el 18 de agosto.
Registre AQUIRegístrate AQUÍ
Walk With Ease
Let us know if you are interested! We are planning to host a Walk With Ease Class in September.
This is a free 6-week class about how to walk comfortably. We also share lots of resources!
National Diabetes Prevention Program
See if you qualify for the Three Sisters Kitchen National Diabetes Prevention Program 2027 by texting 505-226-3707. This class is scheduled for February 2027.
Food is Function
Featured Bag Item
What is Summer Squash and what are its health benefits?
Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, adapt well in warm weather. This veggie is known for its tender, edible rind and bright green or yellow color comes in both cylindrical and round varieties, making it easy to use in a wide range of dishes. They are rich in vitamin B6, vitamin C, and beta‑carotene. Summer squash offers a nutritious boost to everyday meals. Also contains fiber, vitamin A, and is high in potassium/magnesium.
Storage/Preparation
Summer squash is best stored unwashed in a plastic bag in the refrigerator’s produce drawer, where it stays fresh for up to five days.When you’re ready to use it, simply rinse under cold running water and trim both ends before preparing. Summer squash can be sliced for salads or sandwiches, baked or grilled, spiralized as a noodle alternative, added to soups or stews, or folded into breads and omelets for a nutritious boost.
For more info visit the University Of Nebraska website.
Photo from : University Of Nebraska
Check out this simple recipe from Three Sisters Kitchen!
New Mexican Calabacitas
Calabacitas de Nuevo México
Disclaimer: The information shared by Three Sisters Kitchen (TSK) is for general informational purposes only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a doctor or other health care provider.
Gardening
Recipes We Love
Egg Chilaquiles
Vegetarian Fajitas
Carrot Cake Recipe
This simple carrot cake is extra moist, and is easy to bake at home. You can make the cream cheese frosting or choose to eat it without. It makes for a sweet treat for home or for a BBQ this summer. You can also skip the pecans and add raisins if allergic, both pair nicely with this cake.
Recipes by 1) MexicoInMyKitchen.com 2) BBCGoodFood.com 3) Inspired Taste
Community Resources
Backpacks will be given away at the Mesa Verde and West Mesa Community Centers on August 3rd from 10am – 1pm, until supplies last!
Presbyterian
Presbyterian is hosting a free program to help the family build healthier habits on Tuesdays from 6-8 pm and on Thursdays from 6-7pm at the Las Estancias Clinic from August 11th to October 15th. 3630 Las Estancias Dr. S.W. Albuquerque, New Mexico 87121
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI of Albuquerque provides support for individuals and families of individuals who are affected by mental illness.
WIC
WIC offers free healthy foods, breastfeeding support, nutrition education, and health and community resources
Contact Centro Savila Today!
505-312-7296
WIC (el programa especial para mujeres, bebés, y niños del Departamento de Salud de Nuevo México) ofrece alimentos saludables, apoyo a la lactancia materna, educación nutricional y recursos de salud y comunitarios.
¡Contacta con Centro Savila hoy mismo!
505-312-7296
This week’s ReFresh bag
Thanks to special contributions, we have been able to donate these items to 77 families for the distribution of 7/15/26.
