June Newsletter
- msetien
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
Fresh From the Coalition
Welcome to your June update from the Brownsville Wellness Coalition.
This month we’re celebrating wellness, growth and community! From Mental Health Awareness Month to fresh produce and blooming gardens, we are committed to supporting a healthier, more vibrant community.
What's Inside This Month's Newsletter
Vendor spotlight: “Los Chapuline’s Farm”
Call to Action: BISD School Supplies Drive
Wellness spotlight: June commemorated Men's Health Awareness month
40 Families Served Through Food Distributions: Food distributions in partnership with the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health.
La Cocina Alegre: Recipe and upcoming class information.
Farmer's Market Community: Pride month
Farmer's Market Success Story: Bonita Flats
Farm to table: Reminder! Sponsorship opportunities available.
Community gardens: Sign up and grow with us.
Vendor Spotlight:
Los Chapulines Farm
Jorge Téllez Lozano, Founder of “Los Chapuline’s Farm”
Engineer Jorge Téllez Lozano started Los Chapuline’s Farm from his home in Los Fresnos. The name came naturally, when his children were young, he used to affectionately call them “Los Chapulines” (The Grasshoppers). So when it came time to name his project, it only made sense to honor that memory.
After facing challenges finding engineering jobs due to his age, Jorge decided to retire and dedicate himself to something that brought him joy and kept him active. Coming from a family of cooks and farmers, he was inspired to start baking sourdough bread and decided to sell it at the Brownsville Farmers’ Market.
His journey began when his sister-in-law, already a vendor, invited him to join her booth. The first time, he brought only five loaves of bread. Then ten. Then fifteen. Little by little, Jorge gained confidence and eventually opened his own stand. Today, he sells between 100 and 200 loaves each week between the Brownsville Farmers’ Market and the South Padre Island Farmers’ Market.
For over five years, he’s been a beloved presence at the market. At one point, he also raised more than 100 hens and sold farm-fresh eggs.
The baking process begins every Wednesday when Jorge activates and feeds his sourdough starter. By Thursday morning, it’s ready to mix the dough. The loaves ferment overnight in bannetons. On Friday, he repeats the process for the Sunday batch, while the Thursday loaves are destined for Saturday. Friday night, he begins baking at 8 p.m. and finishes around midnight or 1 a.m., baking 16 loaves at a time. The bread cools overnight, and by 5 a.m., he’s packing everything to arrive early at the market.
Now 76 years old, Jorge says being at the market lifts his spirits and fills his heart. He finds great joy in what he does and hopes to keep baking and sharing his passion for years to come.
Call to Action: BISD School Supplies Drive
We’re collecting school supplies for the BISD Back-to-School Drive at our BWC office (Crosshatch, 1018 E Washington Suite A) from now until July 9. Donations can be dropped off Monday through Friday between 9:00 am. and 5:00 pm. For every $10 worth of supplies you bring, you’ll earn one entry into our giveaway but more importantly, you’ll be helping local students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed. Let’s come together to support education and empower families in our community!
June commemorated Men's Health Awareness month
June marked Men’s Health Awareness Month, and we proudly joined the movement by encouraging men in our community to take charge of their well-being physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Through outreach events like the one at Brownsville City Plaza on June 20 , and support from partners like Tu Salud ¡Sí Cuenta! , we created space for important conversations, resources, and preventative care.At BWC, we’re committed to building a culture of wellness for everyone because when men prioritize their health, communities grow stronger. 🌱🧠💚
40 Families Served Through Food Distributions
This month, our Cooking & Nutrition team carried out two successful food distributions in partnership with the UTHealth Houston School of Public Health. Each time, the team dedicated their morning to loading, unloading, counting, and sorting food bags ensuring that families in need receive fresh, healthy groceries.
In total, 40 families benefited from this effort, thanks to the continued support of Methodist Healthcare Ministries, our primary funder, and our collaboration with UTHealth, who help identify the families we serve.
Together, we are making food access and wellness a reality one grocery bag at a time.
La Cocina Alegre Recipe of the month: Mexican street corn pasta salad with Creamy Cilantro Green Dressing
Ingredients:
Salad:
4 oz whole wheat macaroni (cooked)
1 cup diced tomato
1 cup diced bell pepper
2 Tbsp diced onion
½ cup corn (cooked)
½ cup black beans (cooked)
1 minced chipotle in adobo
¼ cup queso fresco
Dressing:
1 clove garlic
2½ Tbsp oil
¼ cup lime juice + 1 tsp zest
¼ tsp each: black pepper, cumin, salt
¼ cup cilantro, 2 Tbsp each parsley & apple juice
2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 tsp basil, 6 spinach leaves
1 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk
Instructions:
Cook pasta and let cool.
Blend dressing ingredients (except yogurt), stir in yogurt. Chill if possible.
Combine pasta with veggies, beans, chipotle, and cheese.
Toss with dressing, chill or serve immediately.
Tip: Best enjoyed within 2 days!
Special Mentions
Pride Month
This month at the Brownsville Farmers’ Market, we celebrated Pride Month by welcoming a local organization that shared educational resources for parents and families, along with goodies and information about upcoming Pride events. It was a joyful morning centered on love, inclusion, and family-friendly fun for all who stopped by.
Farmer's Market Success Story: Bonita Flats
Bonita Flats is a local small business that has grown into a Farmers' Market success story. What began as a passion for baking and creativity has evolved into a thriving presence at the Brownsville Farmers’ Market, where they now connect directly with the community and offer their unique, handcrafted baked goods. Their journey reflects the spirit of the market supporting local entrepreneurship, building community ties, and creating opportunities for others to grow. We’re proud to highlight Bonita Flats as an example of how dedication and community support can lead to meaningful success.
Farm to Table Sponsorship
🌿 We’re excited to announce sponsorship opportunities for our 6th Annual Farm to Table Dinner! 🍽️✨
This unforgettable evening celebrates local food, community health, and the people who make it all possible. By becoming a sponsor, you’ll support our mission to increase food access, promote wellness, and help launch our biggest initiative yet The Cannery Public Market. 🌱
Ready to make an impact? Learn more and be part of something truly special!
Community Gardens
We welcome everyone to become part of our growing garden community!
Whether you're interested in planting your own fresh produce or giving back through volunteering, there’s a place for you. Our gardens offer a peaceful space to connect with nature, learn new skills, and support wellness in Brownsville. Come grow with us!
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