Category: Community

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INSPIRE: Community Be Healthy

Klesick Farm’s first Community Be Healthy event happened at the Lynnwood Convention Center this last Saturday. Thanks to all of you who came out and stopped by to say “hello”. It was a pleasure meeting everyone. We hope everyone left INSPIRED to be healthy!

Almost 30 health promoting organizations joined us to inform and help people on their good health journey. Interesting people. Interesting organizations.

And then there were the speakers! Maria Rippo, the Green Smoothie Lady, gave a very practical talk and demonstration on making healthy smoothies. Our own Tristan Klesick also spoke sharing his passion for helping people to eat healthy. Marilyn McKenna, author of Eat Like It Matters, told us her inspiring story on how she lost 120 lbs. and changed her life through healthy eating and Sue from the Alzheimer’s Association helped us understand the importance of healthy eating for brain health.

“Thank you,” people told us, “for putting on the event.” Thank You! It’s our privilege to partner with every one of you in eating healthy.

Community Be Healthy!

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Inspire: A Community Be Healthy Event

Inspire: A Community Be Healthy Event

Coming out of the holidays can be brutal on the waist line and leaving many of us feeling less than stellar.

Is it time for an emotional and/or physical reset? I know that for myself, when I eat mostly fruits and vegetables, I just feel better and have more energy.

On Saturday January 14th, Klesick Farms and 30 other health-minded businesses will come together to share about healthy living and healthy healing. INSPIRE: A Community Be Healthy Event has been a dream of mine for a while. Last May I booked the Lynnwood Convention Center–yes, in May, during the craziness of the local growing season, I carved out some time to put in motion the framework for a health fair.– Looking back, that was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

I have met several wonderful people who are passionate about being healthy and helping people be healthy. And I am excited to introduce them to you! There is also an incredible slate of speakers, who have personally and passionately made the life changing decisions to improve their health and quality of life. And they know you can too!

* Hazel Borden, with the Alzheimer Association, will be sharing about brain health, the Mediterranean diet and Alzheimers.

* Marilyn Mckenna, Author of Eat Like It Matters, will talk about her amazing 120lb weight loss journey and how she  has kept it off for over a decade.

* Maria Rippo, Author of The Green Smoothie Challenge, will talk about how to reset/restart your health with Green Smoothies.

Lastly, I will be talking about organic farming and the trials of the current food system. For more information visit www.inspirebehealthy.com.

Mark your calendars, bring your family/friends and come, learn, and leave inspired!

Tristan Klesick

Farmer/Health Advocate

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Holiday Delivery Schedule for Weeks of 12/18 and 12/25

Holiday Delivery Schedule for Weeks of 12/18 and 12/25

*Please note that this delivery schedule spans two weeks: the week of Christmas and New Years* 

Our office will be closed Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve in observance of the holidays. Because of these closures our deliveries for both weeks are scheduled as follows:

For delivery Tuesday:

Tuesday customers and Wednesday customers in Woodinville

For delivery Wednesday:

Wednesday customers and Thursday customers in Lynnwood

For delivery Thursday:

Thursday customers and Friday customers in Marysville and Lake Stevens

For delivery Friday:

Friday customers in Arlington and Monroe and Saturday customers

 

Please remember to let us know if you will need to skip your delivery either of these weeks.

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A Local Fundraiser With Both International and Local Benefits

For the Klesick family and our farm business, being generous is an important core value and our giving tends to follow our connections to the people we know. A few years ago, the Oso mudslide happened and since I have family in Oso, we were able to give more directly to the needs of the community through my local contacts. Then there was the Pateros Fire. Once again we were able to give more directly to those most affected because of our local contacts with some farmers that supply much of the fruit we put in our boxes.

Through each of these tragedies, you, our local customers, partnered with us to make the lives of people you will never meet better. You are a generous bunch! J

And now, we have Hurricane Matthew. A few years ago, some friends from the Stanwood/Camano Island community moved to Haiti to work in an orphanage and at a local medical clinic. When Hurricane Matthew ripped through Haiti more than a few needs surfaced. Haiti is already challenged as a nation and the Hurricane was another blow to an already poor infrastructure.

As a family, we increased our giving to help them meet the local needs in the community they serve, but Maleah, our intrepid 12 y/o, wanted to do more. She reached out to Ryan and Jill Dolan directly and asked what she could to do help. Jill responded:

“Behind our home, up the mountain is the small village of Geffrard, pronounced as Jeffwa. They have one school and it fell down during the hurricane. The students have not had school since the hurricane hit our area on October 4th. There are six classrooms, with a total of 200 students.”

 

With that Maleah leapt into action and here’s how the rest of the story unfolded:

 

A NOTE FROM MALEAH KLESICK

I am partnering with Klesick Farms to raise $500 by the end of this week (12/17). They still need 130 sheets of metal roofing to complete the roof. By partnering with us, together we can help them rebuild their school.

There are two ways to give:

1. You can help by purchasing a Food Bank Box of produce for $28.00. Klesick Farms will deliver the box to the food bank for Christmas and donate $10 to the Rebuild a Roof for a School project.

2. You can donate $5.00 for each sheet of metal roofing. Donate any amount.

Please go to: www.klesickfamilyfarm.com/Haiti and let’s help this community get their kids back to school. All proceeds will go to rebuild the school roof. Any additional monies raised will be used by the Dolan family to operate the orphanage and medical clinic.

 

 

Tristan Klesick

Father of a future Community Activist

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Totally Caught Off Guard

Each week I normally log in about 10 – 12 hours of volunteer work on the Sustainable Land Strategy (SLS) forum. The SLS is a non-regulatory group of farmers, tribal and environmental members who were convened by Snohomish County to promote collaboration and build relationships. There are four Farmers and four Environmental members (two Tribal, two Restoration).

Back in 2010, the goal of then Council Member Dave Somers (now County Executive) was to change the adversarial and contentious relationships between Farming and Environmental groups. No small task! A new way of doing business was needed and so with good facilitation, the SLS began the arduous task of bridging damaged relationships and working together.

In 2015 I was asked to join the SLS and in 2016 became the Ag caucus chair. Terry Williams from the Tulalip Tribes serves as the Fish caucus chair. Terry’s years of service in DC and in Snohomish County have laid a path of trust and collaboration to begin this important work.

Every year the 45 Conservation Districts across Washington State have an annual meeting and an awards banquet. This year I had been invited to speak and talk about SLS and the work we are doing in Snohomish County. I had also been invited to stay for lunch. Though I really needed to get back to the farm and my “paying” job, Monte Marti, the Snohomish Conservation District Director, pressed me to stay. I reluctantly relented. About half way through lunch, the proverbial “light bulb” came on. This was an Awards Banquet!

This year, the Vim Wright “Building Bridges” Award was presented to Terry Williams and Tristan Klesick. I did not see that coming. To be mentioned in the same breath with Vim Wright and Terry Williams is an incredible honor.

Vim Wright served both Colorado and Washington and worked tirelessly to build better communities for people and wildlife (especially non-game wildlife). She served on many committees and founded many more. Towards the end of her life she left her imprint on farming and conservation by establishing the Farming and the Environment program and serving on the Washington State Conservation Commission. The words on the award capture her spirit and the goal of the SLS: “We salute and recognize your continuing efforts in support of conservation through collaboration and working tirelessly with traditional agricultural, environmental and tribal communities on conservation projects and helping to develop a better mutual understanding of one another.”

An award is a moment in time, but without lots of people working together, none of it would be possible. My name might be on the plaque, but as I walked up to receive the award I couldn’t help but think of Joelle, our children, the Klesick team, the SLS team, and you, our Klesick customers. This is an award for the entire Klesick Farm Community.

Thank you for believing in Klesick Farms. Together we are doing great things and I look forward to doing more great things tomorrow.

Farmer/Health Advocate

Tristan Klesick

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Thanksgiving Holiday Delivery Schedule 2016

Thanksgiving Holiday Delivery Schedule

Our office will be closed November 24-27 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday. Because of this closure, our deliveries for that week are scheduled as follows:

For delivery Monday:

Tuesday customers, Wednesday customers (except customers in Anacortes and Mukilteo) and customers in Shoreline

For delivery Tuesday:

Wednesday customers in Anacortes and Mukilteo, Thursday customers

For delivery Wednesday:

Friday and Saturday customers

 

Travelling out of town for Thanksgiving? 

Please remember to let us know if you will need to skip your delivery that week.

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Planning for Your Holiday Meal

Planning for Your Holiday Meal

Every Thanksgiving holiday season we offer a special Holiday Box ($40) full of traditional organic Thanksgiving meal items for your celebration. Not only can you schedule a Holiday Box to be delivered the week of Thanksgiving, but it is also available the week before and the week after (available Nov. 13-Dec. 3). You can have this box delivered along with your regular order or in place of your regular order (please specify your preference when placing your order). The box menu is as follows:

Holiday Box Menu

Granny Smith Apples, 5 each.

Green Beans, 1 lb.

Cranberries, 7.5 oz.

Garnet Yams, 2 lbs.

Navel Oranges, 4 each.

Carrots, 2 lbs.

Breadcubes for Stuffing, 1 lb.

Yellow Potatoes, 3 lbs.

Celery, 1 bunch

Yellow Onions, 1 lb.

Delicata Squash, 2 ea.

Remembering Neighbors in Need.

If your celebration includes helping the less fortunate who live in our community, we would like to partner with you by giving you the opportunity to purchase a discounted Holiday Donation Box for only $32, to be given to local food banks the week before Thanksgiving. Last year 122 Holiday Donation Boxes were distributed and this year we’d love to have a greater impact. The volunteers at the food banks have expressed again and again how wonderful and satisfying it is to be able to supply people with fresh produce. You can order a Holiday Donation Box here.

 

Tristan Klesick, Farmer/Health Advocate.

 

Read this week’s How to Eat Your Box! here.

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Celebrate, Grieve, Hope and Pray: Names

On Wednesday, 11/2, we want to celebrate, grieve, hope and pray with all the people that you and we know who are battling cancer, won the battle over cancer, as well as for those who lost a loved one to cancer.

For those of you who would like to join us in prayer this Wednesday, these are the names of people we have been asked to pray for.

Note: If you know someone who is battling cancer, and would like them to be added to our prayers, please click here to submit their name anonymously, or email [email protected] or direct message us on Facebook.

Updated 11/2/16

  • Ron
  • LeeAnna
  • Kelly – just finished radiation treatment and we are hoping he will be cancer free with no relapses. We are hoping for recovery from pain and other symptoms and the ability for him to get back to doing the things he loves.
  • Carol – 5 time cancer survivor and Granite Falls Food Bank Angel. Servant with a grateful heart.
  • Sean – male breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at 37.
  • Cheney – Completed treatment for stage 2 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma last Wed. My last PET scan was clear, thank You Lord. Would like prayer for continued good health and peace of mind knowing that God has got this.
  • Joyce – 88 years old and still tough – Thank you for your prayers.
  • Paul – my husband has been cancer free for 2.5 years, this is for all those who have not been as blessed as us.
  • Sandy – I am sending in my own name. As a rule I generally stay clear of putting myself in a position of talking about my breast cancer experience but last year at this time I was in the middle of radiation treatment for stage 1 breast cancer… and this October, I am confident and hopeful that I have this thing beat!! I am extremely thankful to my sweet family most of all!! My husband, son and daughter. Throughout my treatment, I tried keeping things as normal as possible but they were my rock and prayer warriors!! My friends who helped me keep the faith and kept me VERY busy and distracted. But most of all… it was my faith that gave me guidance, peace and strength! In my loneliest moments and most fearful times… God ALWAYS sent me signs of His faithfulness to me. I also did an inventory of my life and overall health. Today I am nearly 50 pounds less then I was over a year ago. I have changed my eating habits and exercise regularly. It’s been a challenge and a blessing!! God bless Klesick!! We were customers years ago!”
  • Christina – wife, mother of 3, 43 years old. Battling stage 2 breast cancer.
  • Janice
  • Lori
  • Rick – battling skin cancer.
  • Tibor – battling prostrate cancer.
  • Tami
  • John – receiving treatment indefinitely for sarcoma.
  • Charlie – battling brain cancer.
  • Billy
  • Diana – Recently diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.
  • Sam – He is a young boy fighting leukemia. He thought it was in remission, yet it returned.
  • Dan – He is fighting throat cancer. Doing both chemo and radiation right now. Please pray for physical, emotional and spiritual healing.
  • Susan – Breast cancer, has had surgery, currently going through radiation Please pray for Gods healing hand upon her and strength.
  • Carole
  • John
  • Dan – just found out he has lung cancer.
  • Joe – has prostate cancer that has spread to his lungs. Still he continues to fight to live his life to the fullest possible.
  • Lloyd – has prostate cancer AND rectal cancer which has spread to his lungs and bones. He has decided not to pursue further surgery, but continues to take medications.
  • Janet
  • Cindy and Wendy – Both of these beautiful women are in a fight for their amazing lives and l believe that they will win with their positive attitudes and the many prayers being sent to them and all the beautiful people who are fighting to live! Much love to everyone and thank you for organizing the prayer group!!!
  • Laura
  • William
  • Connie – battling cancer. Chemo has been hard on her. Please pray for complete healing.
  • Brad
  • Kimberly – Our daughter is 30 years old, with numerous serious health issues. Thank you for including her.
  • Hospice Patients – I am a hospice nurse and unable to provide specific patient names due to privacy regulations. But would love to have my patients lifted up in prayer.
  • Barnetty – fighting breast cancer.
  • Rebekah – has been battling cancer for some time and seems to be at a very critical time right now. I know she has been blessed by people who have provided her with Klesick Boxes of Good.
  • Jeff – Battling esophagus cancer. 2nd surgery to fix his throat cancer.
  • Al – battling Glioblastoma (similar to pancreatic cancer)
  • Bill – Bill is my uncle and had prostate cancer in his early 70’s. He is now 88 and the cancer has metastasized to his liver. He is going through chemo and has lost 40 pounds. His energy is good, but he needs prayers to battle the treatments and the disease.
  • Mary
  • Michelle – Stage 4 breast cancer. Single mother of three. Youngest daughter just turned 6.
  • Wendy
  • Veronica
  • Doreen
  • Vanessa
  • Michelle
  • Janice – diagnosed with breast cancer last month and went through bilateral mastectomies last week. She is waiting to find out the staging and if any further treatment is needed.
  • Chloe – 18 yr old, diagnosed with cancer days before graduating high school.
  • Phil – my father in law and is fighting stage 4 renal cell carcinoma. Please pray that he accepts Jesus before his final day! Thank you
  • Stacy – Stacy is a beautiful woman who was recovering from a divorce and getting her life back on track when she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. She has dealt with a lot and could use a break.
  • Dan – Battling liver cancer.
  • Teresa – My mother in law just spent the last year undergoing treatment for breast cancer. I would appreciate a prayer for her continued healing. Thank you!
  • Randon – fighting Stage 4 Esophageal Cancer. The cancer has recently spread to other organs and we recently just started him on the more aggressive chemo.
  • Beth – she has battled cancer for several years and is getting weaker. Our prayer is that she will come to know Jesus.
  • Carol – I visit her in the nursing home. She has faith and always welcomes extra prayers.
  • Patti
  • Sam – 12 year old fighting leukemia for the second time.
  • Monica – Just diagnosed last Thursday.
  • Jake – 12 year old fighting bone cancer again after being cancer free. Has lost his leg.
  • Judy
  • Bella – 5 year old girl fighting Leukemia.
  • Sandy
  • Jenny – diagnosed originally with stage 3 colon cancer was 4 months shy of my 5 year remission mark and it came back with a vengeance in September 2012 and spread to both lungs making it stage 4. I’m still fighting I refuse to quit and I have to much to live for God has proven that to me over and over!
  • Debbie – stage 4 doing treatment as we speak for resourcing breast cancer in her bones.
  • Sabrina – mom of 3 girls and is fighting stage 4 colon cancer.
  • Cindy
  • Kathe
  • David – Dad had lung cancer/brain. The brain tumor is gone. But still on diagnosed in May 2016 with stage 4. He is on maintenance chemo for the lungs after chemo and radiation treatment. And still in pain in the ribs. His father died from the same thing. Both smokers. But dad quit 8 years ago. Wishes he would have quit sooner/ not started.
  • Peggy – This is her fifth time she has battled cancer. This time it is breast cancer that has metastasized to her shoulder that she has a fracture in. She is 63.
  • Monica – my mom is starting her treatment for Malt Lymphoma this week and we would love for you to lift her up in prayer. She is the rock of our family and we still need her! Thank you!
  • Lola – Lola is our dog, and she is my daughters best friend. She was diagnosed with cancer several months ago at which time she had a malignant lesion removed. Lola has several new lesions and a vet appt. on Nov 1st. The bill is already over $1000, and we would appreciate prayers. Im into miracles…so am asking for one! Thank you so much.
  • Tiffany – mother of three young children with stage 4 breast cancer.
  • Taylor – (26) was diagnosed with Nodular Melanoma, an aggressive skin cancer which has spread to his lymph nodes. In August Taylor had surgery to remove the affected lymph nodes, but a recent scan revealed that the cancer has spread to his liver and lung. Taylor began immunotherapy on October 18th and has now been in the hospital due to complications from that treatment since October 23rd. He is currently in the ICU fighting for his life. Pray for Taylor, specifically that his liver will return to normal function and begin to clear the toxins from his body. Also pray for his family members–parents, siblings, wife and baby girl (2 1/2 months).
  • Karen – Breast cancer; fairly recent diagnosis. Please pray specifically now that the Lord would spare her the neuropathy that is a common side affect of treatment.
  • Louise
  • Kim
  • Sharon
  • Dave – a lifelong friend, 54, he has stage 4.
  • Thomas – Boeing worker fighting cancer.
  • Terry – is in end stages of prostate cancer, suffering a lot of pain. Please help his mother, children and siblings draw strength and courage and for Terry to be more comfortable and to draw closer to our Lord through Jesus Christ. God bless the Hansen family.
  • Daisy
  • Kathy – recurrence of Hodgkins lymphoma.
  • Anja – just had a double mastectomy.
  • Lloyd – my father has battled (3) types of cancer within the past five years. He is currently enduring maintenance chemo for lung cancer. He is a Norwegian warrior with a great outlook and attitude! His family and faith carry him every minute of every day. God has blessed us richly. Thank you for organizing this thoughtful event for our beloved friends and family. God bless you all!
  • Tracy – She is a wonderful person battling stomach cancer. Has found they cannot kill the cancer only treatment to prolong her life. Please pray for her!
  • Robert – Agent orange rare blood cancer.
  • Zillah – colon cancer.
  • Carol – cervical cancer.
  • Vernelle – prostate cancer.
  • Dorothy – A very sweet and giving woman who runs the women’s Gospel Shelter in Monroe.
  • Dennis – struggling with chemo.
  • Sylvia – Sylvia is my dear friend and mentor. She has the kind of faith that can move mountains. A little over two years ago Sylvia discovered she had Ovarian cancer and a long journey to destroy that cancer ensued. She has undergone multiple surgeries to remove the affected areas of her body and endured many weeks of chemo. Just shy of being 2 years cancer free, her doctors discovered more cancer, different cancer in her spleen. She has now endured more surgeries and in the middle of her chemo for this fight. I know this is harder on her, on all of us, because we just don’t understand why again Lord? Please pray for relief from the effects of chemo, for her strength and for the rock that is her husband, Bobby.
  • Pamela – I have had two different DNA caused Bone Marrow cancers for now starting my 18th year. Please pray that I will continue to live for my husband, two children and four grandchildren and continue to be as happy as I can be. Thank you for your prayers. I need them.
  • Leta and James
  • Christine – she has been fighting CML Leukemia for 13 years with no cure so far. She has a fantastic attitude even though she goes in for treatment every week.
  • Laurie – https://www.facebook.com/spirit1053/videos/10153489300679506/
  • Song – He is married with three young children, has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, loves the Lord and believes in the healing power of God.
  • Lotti
  • Ron
  • Peggy
  • Beverly
  • Ruth
  • Vivian
  • Eiko
  • Patrick
  • Allison
  • Dan
  • Diana
  • Jeanne
  • Olivia
  • Leah
  • Dillon
  • Tish
  • Kristy
  • Mike
  • Chris
  • Trina
  • Cheney
  • Kandace
  • Pam
  • Monte
  • Greg
  • Jerry
  • Louise
  • Lynn
  • Sam
  • Maureen
  • David
  • Andrea
  • Marla
  • Theresa
  • Debbie
  • Robert
  • Noel
  • Larry
  • Jerry
  • Barry
  • Roy
  • Delicia
  • Sherri – was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer late this summer and is in the hospital at this time very sick. Her prognosis is very serious but we believe in a God of miracles. Thank you for including her in your prayer.
  • Jan – passed away (pray for comfort for husband Dick.)
  • Cari (survived by sister Mindy)
  • Mel “Bobo” – My brother-in-law Mel was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor in June of this year. On Sunday, October 23rd, he died at home. He was only 58 and left behind his wife (my sister), 5 kids and 5 grandkids. His sweet grin and kind, mischievous spirit are missed so much already.
  • Scott – Scott is my dad. His wife (my mom) passed away a year ago from colon cancer. If you would pray that he find Jesus through this.
  • Trista – Wife & Mother of a baby boy. Diagnosed with breast cancer and is now on round two of chemo.
  • Duane Atkins – Fighting Esophigal Cancer
  • Jack – My father-in-law was recently diagnosed with colon cancer. He is having surgery on Nov 28th. Won’t know until after the surgery if chemo or radiation will be needed. Thank you for your prayers.
  • Tami – Breast cancer, single Mom, on the mend. Sister.
  • Andrew – Battling a rare cancer who has two young children and a loving wife. He is a wonderful dad and friend. Battling a rare cancer who has two young children and a loving wife. He is a wonderful dad and friend.
  • Stephen
  • Glenn – Jan 24 1929 to October 19 2016. Mds
  • Don – Battling stage 4 colon cancer
  • Sarah and Rob – Husband and wife couple both with new cancer diagnosis. Rob was recently diagnosed with brain cancer and has undergone brain surgery and radiation. Sarah is having surgery for thyroid cancer the beginning of November. They have two young children under 5 years old.
  • Mary – My friend Mary was diagnosed with colon cancer almost five years ago. She has had multiple surgeries and is still on chemo. Her cancer markers are now going up again. We’ve been friends for decades. Thank you for praying.
  • Joel – My 32 year old son is going through chemo for stage 3 colon cancer.
  • Kelly – Was diagnosed with stage four oral cancer just before summer time. He went through a major surgery and an intense round of radiation. I pray for comfort, strength and healing.
  • Lynn
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Thanksgiving

What! It’s time to be thinking about Holidays? Do you ever think how we eat our way through the calendar? November – Thanksgiving; December – Christmas; January – New Year’s Day and the Super bowl (Go Hawks!).

If we are not intentional about what we eat, the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) will be. The GMA has a plan for the holidays: more sugar, more GMO’s and more processed packaged foods. It is almost as if celebrating is akin to more CALORIES and not good ones, either. But how does the “intentional” part work itself out? Well, has Thanksgiving moved for the last 152 years? NO! it is always on the 4th Thursday of November. But every year millions of Americans are going to buy the same sugary, GMO laden foods and wonder why on Friday after Thanksgiving the bathroom scale has moved the wrong direction and that they don’t feel all that great either! It’s probably because sugar is fleeting and the aftermath is lasting.

One blogger encouraged their readers to wear pants with elastic to dinner so they won’t be as uncomfortable when they over eat! Okay, we are all probably going to indulge a little with our family and friends. Maybe this year we should plan for the indulgences by eating more intentionally NOW! Start moving the scale in the right direction now, so that when Grandma offers/expects you to have another piece of pie, you will have created some margin for Thanksgiving. I can hear it now, “No thank you. The pecan, pumpkin and apple pies tasted great. Three pieces is plenty, really.” 🙂

Be intentional now or be intentional later. We are all going to have to be intentional at some point. Here at Klesick Farms we like to say, “Eat Better, Feel Better.” It even works in November.

How to Eat Your Box

We are adding a new section to our Newsletter this week. We are calling it “How to Eat Your Box”. Original, eh? Anna, my millennial menu planner, felt like people just aren’t cooking and she wanted to provide some helpful tips. Eating well is not mystical or complicated. With just a few techniques you can be “Zen” master in the kitchen. In fact, most fruits and vegetables are easy to use and are at their healthiest when minimally cooked or prepared. Check it out here on the blog.

Thanksgiving Donation Program

We are making our Holiday Donation Box for Thanksgiving available for ordering this week. Last year, our Box of Good Food Family donated 156 boxes of high quality, super nutritious food to area food banks. Please consider donating one or more boxes to a family in need. You place the order, we pack it, deliver it and a food bank volunteer gets it to a family in need. Super simple, super effective!

Farmer/Health Advocate, Tristan

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Hope

Hope is a necessary ingredient in the battle against cancer. We must believe that healing is possible and hope is an underlying cornerstone for healing to happen. Without hope, hopelessness is left and we can’t have that; we must have hope.

Since we started sharing about cancer this month, the ground swell of support and compassion has been huge.

Last week, I met Leah, a cancer survivor and single mom of two at the Snohomish County Healthy Aging Conference. Whenever I attend a conference or event, I always bring a box of good food to use as a raffle item. And you know what? Leah’s name was drawn.

At the same time, a young couple from our church just received the heart-breaking news that their under 1 y/o daughter Vivian has leukemia. Ugh! I can’t even imagine the thoughts, fears, and despair that is wracking that family.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to an end, I would like to continue our cancer conversation and shift it to one day next week. On Wednesday, 11/2, we want to celebrate, grieve, hope and pray with all the people that you and we know who are battling cancer, won the battle over cancer, as well as for those who lost a loved one to cancer.

To do this, we need your help. We need you to send in the names of individuals and families that are fighting cancer. You can share as much of your/their story with us as you feel comfortable. Because sometimes it is helpful to just write down how you are feeling and get your thoughts out.

We are also just as happy to have you share a first name, because on 11/2, when our Klesick Farms team gathers to pray, we know that God already knows the details and we just want to agree with you for healing from cancer and hope to be rekindled in yours and their hearts.

Each of you are also welcome to join us on 11/2 and pray for the individuals and families who are fighting cancer. We will send Facebook and email reminders about the 11/2 details, but for now please click here to submit a name for prayer anonymously, or, email [email protected] the names of anyone you know fighting cancer or DM us on FB so we can gather a list of people to prayer for healing and hope.

Farmer/Health Advocate,

Tristan

 

Recipe: Garlic Butter Mushroom and Spinach Spaghetti

Ingredients:

Olive oil 8 oz package mushrooms, sliced 4 garlic cloves, peeled and thinly sliced 2 tablespoons butter 1 bunch spinach, washed, ends cut off Lemon juice, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste 1 package spaghetti Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions:

1. Boil a large pot of water and cook pasta until tender. Reserve 1 cup of cooking water.

2. While pasta is cooking, heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat then add the oil. Fry the mushrooms until deeply golden and cooked through. Add the garlic and butter and fry for another 30 seconds-1 minute, until the garlic is a light golden color. Turn off the heat then add the spinach, lemon juice and season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add the cooked spaghetti and a splash of the cooking water. Stir the pasta into the sauce and add more water if necessary.

4. Serve with feta cheese.

Recipe adapted from simply-delicious-food.com

 

Know Your Produce: Gold Beets

You may be most familiar with the red beet, but beets come in a variety of colors. One variety is orange, known as the gold beet. A descendant of a sea vegetable, golden beets are a nutrient-rich food high in fiber and potassium. The beet greens are more nutritious than the beets, containing twice the potassium and high in beta carotene and folic acid.

The difference between the red and the orange beet is the pigment compound. Red beets are rich in betalain pigment while orange beets are rich in b-xanthin pigment. Though their pigment color differs, their nutritional benefits are the same.

Steaming and roasting bring out the best flavor that the beet can offer. The skin must be peeled, which is easiest after it has cooked, as it simply slips away from its flesh. Beets pair well with cheese, bacon, apples, fennel, citrus, potatoes, shallots, vinegar, walnuts, smoked and cured fish. Beets will keep, refrigerated, for up to a week or longer if their tops are removed.