Jemez Valley Community Wellness is continuing their popular community wellness program on Wednesday, February 4th with Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Fallon Bader. The monthly “Food as Medicine” series in 2026 features a cooking demonstration and tasting focused on seasonal healing through food. Each event supports a different body system with local ingredients and communal nourishment.
In addition to the food and nutrition presentation by Fallon, each program will include supporting health education and activities with Juliette Sweet, Doctor of Naturopathic and Ayurvedic Medicine, as well as other invited practitioners and special guests who are experts in the monthly topics.
The 2026 series is scheduled as follows:
- February 4 – Fresh Air : Foods to Help You Breathe Easy in the New Year
Focus: Respiratory system support – seasonal ailments – cardiovascular connection
- March 4 – Don’t Get Irritated : Eating to Quell Spring Allergies
Focus: Lymphatic system – allergies – seasonal irritability
- April 15 – Calm the Fire Within : Tasty Anti-Inflammatory Remedies
Focus: Muscular system – anti-inflammation
- May 6 – Happy Hormones : For Women, Men, and the People They Love
Focus: Endocrine System – hormones/women’s health – thyroid
- June 10 – Summer Glow : Skin Health as a reflection of Whole Body Health
Focus: Integumentary System – hair/skin/nails
“We are pleased to be a part of the New Mexico Food is Medicine Collaborative and offer this model of community outreach and education to improve public health outcomes through access to nutritional food and integrative healthcare,” says JVCW Founder and Executive Director Dr. Sweet. “Our mission leads us to improve access to food, fellowship, and compassionate whole-body healing for more of our low-access and low-income neighbors.”
Dr. Sweet holds a Doctorate degree in Naturopathic Medicine and master’s degree in Ayurvedic Sciences from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. She is past president of the New Mexico Association of Naturopathic Physicians and was actively involved in attaining licensure for Naturopathic Doctors in 2019.
Fallon Bader is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and holds an MS in Health Education. She earned her bachelor’s in nutrition at Penn State University, dietetic internship at Cornell University, and master’s in health education at the University of New Mexico.
Before starting The Sprouting Kitchen in January 2019, Fallon spent two years serving with FoodCorps, where she worked to incorporate cooking and gardening into schools. Fallon’s cooking classes empower people to create meals that are delicious, healthy, and fun. Her recipes highlight seasonal produce and her passion to support and grow local, sustainable food systems.
The in-person events will be held from 5-7pm at The Rose Center for Integrative Health at 8372 Highway 4, across from Jemez Valley High School. Attendance is limited; registration is required with a suggested donation. See more at https://www.jvcw.org/specialevents.
