Common Threads

Teacher Appreciation Week is here, and we’re excited to spend the week celebrating the incredible educators who make a difference every day!

Today, we’re proud to honor Chef Gabriel Beltran from our El Paso market!

Chef Gabe has been inspiring students as a Chef Instructor with Common Threads since February 2023, and his impact goes far beyond the recipes he teaches. From leading countless classes to bringing joy to our youngest chefs, he shows up each day with energy, kindness, and a genuine love for what he does.

He’s always the first to step in when a teammate needs support—never hesitating to lend a hand and always doing it with a smile. Even while balancing multiple commitments, Gabe remains dependable, positive, and deeply committed to our community.

We’re incredibly grateful to have him on our team. Thank you, Chef Gabe, for everything you do! Stay tuned all week as we continue to spotlight more of our standout educators!

Happy Earth Day!

Earth Day reminds us that caring for our planet starts with understanding it, and that’s exactly what our Small Bites Farm to School program brings to life with amazing partners like Zapata Academy. 💚

Students don’t just learn about food, they experience it. From visiting local farms and meeting the farmers who grow their food, to bringing that same fresh produce back into the kitchen to cook a meal together. They see the full journey from soil to plate.

This hands-on learning builds healthier habits, supports local agriculture, and connects kids to their communities and the environment in a meaningful, lasting way. Because when kids understand where food comes from, they’re more empowered to care for their health, and the Earth.