Family and Consumer Sciences

Flourish

Savoring Summer: Fresh Food from the Garden and Market!

By Michelle Stizza

It is hard to believe it is nearly July! Growing up in the Midwest, I can still hear the phrase Knee High by the 4th of July, in reference to the height of the corn. It brings back great memories of summers in the garden and at the county fair!

Here in Santa Fe, we have been enjoying the gorgeous produce and herbs in the Santa Fe Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners Vegetable and Herb Garden. The little seedlings are so fun to watch grow in the Kitchen Garden carts as we prepare for classes on Health and Wellness and Food and Nutrition, all designed to help you flourish For a Healthy You!

Summer is a beautiful time to enjoy days with family and friends that can be centered around fresh, seasonal food with engaging activities that nourish the body and mind. Start by incorporating all that vibrant produce from your garden-beautiful greens, crisp cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, fragrant herbs and add to your harvest with visits to the Santa Fe Farmers Markets for a bounty of fresh produce and an opportunity to support our local growers. Stop by and visit us at the Railyard Farmers Market on Saturdays. The Master Gardeners are there with helpful gardening tips from 8:00-11:00 and we are there from 11:00-1:00 with healthy recipes and food preservation ideas based on the produce and fruit that the farmers are growing. Starting Tuesdays in July, the Santa Fe Farmers Market Del Sur at Presbyterian Santa Fe Medical Center begins and runs through September 30th from 3-6 p.m.

Mark your calendars for the Santa Fe County Fair July 30th-August 2nd. The fair is a time for you to enter your homegrown food and handmade items. It's a rewarding way to showcase your skills, celebrate your hard work and creativity, and connect with the Santa Fe community. Saturday, August 2nd from 10:00-2:00 is Family Day at the fair and the Santa Fe County Extension Open House. It will be a day of fun activities for all!

Enjoy the summer!

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What's New:

Kitchen Garden

Master Gardener's Vegetable and Herb Garden and Farmer's Market

Gardening for a Healthy You!

Heart Healthy and Bone Health Classes

Join us for Heart Healthy and Bone Health classes in August.

Financial Book Club

Join us for Investing Game and the Book: The Millionaire Next Door classes filled with discussions on creating a healthy financial life.

Full Calendar of Events

Check out our full calendar for more events.

2025 Calendar of Events (PDF)

Michelle Stizza

Michelle Stizza is passionate about providing educational programs for adults and the community and believes in creating programs that can help transform lives and create strong, healthy, and vibrant communities. As an FCS Agent, Michelle provides Community Health and Wellness programming on Food and Nutrition, Health and Wellness, and Financial Health and Wellness.

Michelle has served on the board of a financial cooperative and on a foundation board of a food cooperative where she provided educational outreach to communities and supported local food systems, developed leaders, and inspired personal and economic well-being.

Michelle has taught university leadership courses, facilitated presentations, and collaborated with global partner universities to create and design university programs. Her work in educational outreach and university programs has been recognized by several organizations including the U.S. Office of Consumer Affairs and has received several awards including a Telly Award and a W3 Award for Creative Excellence in Online Media. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Resources and Human Development and a Master of Education degree in Curriculum and Instruction.

Contact Info

Michelle Stizza, MEd
Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Science (FCS) Agent, ICAN Supervisor
Phone: 505-471-4711
Email: mstizza@nmsu.edu