February, with its focus on Valentine's Day and things related to the heart, is also American Heart Month! Instead of giving your beloved candy or things that aren't good for them, why not show you truly care with heart-healthy recipes that are sure to please. Epicurious features a recipe collection that's high in good fats, fiber, and flavor. Click here to learn more about how to eat foods that are good for your heart, and some delicious recipes to try on Valentine's day.
 

Things can start to drag a little here in the middle of winter.  People start to develop cabin fever and, unless you have a greenhouse, gardens aren't producing the fresh fruits and vegetable we're used to in the summer and fall. Even if they aren't growing locally at this time of year, here's a list of fruits and vegetables that are often eaten in February, along with 28 recipes. Root vegetables, winter squash, kale, leeks and persimmons - the pictures alone are enough to give you inspiration to carry you through the cold months. Enjoy!

We always welcome new volunteers! Here are our current opportunities:

• Monday Driver, Route 3 (N. on Cerrillos Rd.) 
• Monday Driver, Route 10 (N. St. Francis Dr.)
• Tuesday Driver, Route 9 (Alta Vista St.)
• Wednesday Driver, Route 8 (Mid-Airport Rd.)
• Substitute Delivery Drivers (every day, M-F)
• Tuesday Kitchen shifts (AM or PM)
• Friday Kitchen shifts (PM)
• Substitute Kitchen volunteers (every day, M-F)

Upcoming Volunteer Orientations

 

Wednesday, February 8th 11:00 - 1:00

Wednesday, February 22nd from 11:00 - 1:00

 

Please tell people who may be interested to call Lauren at 471-7780  

 

Walter & Sophie- two well-loved pets.

There are two special days in February that deserve to be mentioned. February 20th is Love Your Pet Day and February 22nd is Walking the Dog Day. Think of the difficulties that arise when a person with disabilities needs to walk their dog or take it to the groomers. Pets offer our homebound clients such comfort and affection, and sometimes our clients simply can't provide them with the proper daily exercise. If you deliver meals to a pet-owning client, consider asking then if they are in need of any pet-care services. Brushing animals, taking them to the groomers, or walking a dog are all great ways to show you care.

	Sarah R. has been humbly serving at Kitchen Angels for 12 years now.

In addition to a day for exercising dogs, February 22nd is also " Be Hum ble Day." Humility is an often misunderstood quality, which can be viewed as a sign of weakness or having a " low view of one's own importance." In actuality, humility is one of the seven heavenly virtues written about in ancient Greek philosophy and adopted by the Catholic church. The power of humility is exhibited when one thinks often of others, giving respect and charity to even those with whom they might disagree.  Instead of glorifying one's own actions and achievements, a

Thanks Gregory H. for bringing humility to the kitchen on Mondays.

humble person is quick to recognize the accomplishments of others, while having a gracious and fair view of their own deeds. Humility also encompasses being faithful to one's  promises, modest in behavior, refraining from despair, and reverent for the wisdom of others.

There are quite a few Kitchen Angels volunteers who exhibit many, if not all of theses characteristics. They are the ones who reliably show up every week to do whatever is asked of them, never speak poorly of others, and are quick to recognize the good deeds of their coworkers. Thanks to all of the staff and volunteers, past and present, who are living examples of humility in action. 

2016 was a fantastic year for Kitchen Angels! Kitchenality is a resounding success, we achieved our capital campaign's  financial goals, and a record number of new volunteers joined our ranks. Every year we pull together volunteer numbers and track how we're doing over time. Click here if you're interested in our latest 2016 Volunteer Report. You may be surprised by how much we've grown over the past few years! Thanks to each and every one of our volunteers for making 2016 an outstanding year.