Quinta Mazatlán is hosting presenter Sandra Villegas on Thursday, March 25, starting at 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on The Back Porch at Quinta Mazatlán. Villegas, who has her Master’s in Public Health, is the Nutrition Education Manager at the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. Here, Villegas will demonstrate and prepare two recipes using the native plants prickly pear and mesquite flour as well as discuss the benefits of eating and using native plants, how to start a small container garden, what the best herbs are to start with, and how healthy lifestyles overall are the foundations to a healthy self.

 Villegas has worked with the Food Bank of the RGV for over 16 years and during her time, she created the Healthy Living department that focuses to raise awareness in the community on how to create healthy eating habits, how to incorporate physical activity in our daily lives, and mainly how to have fun doing it. She has presented on a variety of topics, from gardening, diabetes, and chronic diseases, and how to cook with a variety of foods. Skilled in public health, her presentations provide factual yet creative ways to engage the public on how baby steps towards a healthier life stem from the choices we make.

Attendees will get to sample the foods being made and will get to leave with the recipes so they can go on and try them their selves. Mesquite Flour will be available and on sale to follow her recipes.

Villegas is originally from Mission, Texas, and completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees in Public Health. She is a member of Unidos Contra la Diabetis, a Border Health CHOICE member, and a Feeding Texas and Feeding America Leader. Through her research, she has taken her expertise and time to create recipes, presentations, and food demonstrations for a number of community events. With her presentation, she will compile many layers of knowledge that will incorporate nature, food, and fun for everyone.

Come see Villegas at The Back Porch at Quinta Mazatlán, 600 Sunset Drive, Thursday, with tickets only $5 per person. As outdoor class size is limited for health protocols, please book in advance at www.quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com. Please follow current Covid-19 Safety Guidelines while in the Park. For more information, contact (956) 681-3370 and follow Quinta Mazatlán on social media.

Come early and bird the trails buzzing with excitement of rare bird sightings.

 

Photo Caption: Sandra Villegas