In Albuquerque, Nancy Arenas is turning food into a force for kindness. As the founder and president of Sprouting Compassion, she leads an organization devoted to promoting healthier, more sustainable living through plant-based eating and veganism.
“We’re really about picking for a cleaner, healthier living through plant-based eating,” says Arenas.
Through her work, Arenas hopes to inspire people to make choices that benefit not just themselves, but also animals and the planet.
Sprouting Compassion makes that mission tangible through free community cooking demonstrations, which Arenas often leads herself. The group has hosted demos at events like Earth Day and at community hubs such as Winrock, teaching simple, nutritious vegan recipes while sharing information about the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. However, their biggest event is the Red and Green Vegfest, which celebrated its 10th year in 2025.
The festival brings together speakers, chefs and cruelty-free vendors from across the region. Attendees learn about topics ranging from animal sentience and climate change to nutrition and disease prevention, all centered on the ideas that what we eat matters.
“Some people have reversed chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer and heart disease through a plant-based diet,” says Arenas. “We’re just trying to put that information out there so people, if they want to, can try it for themselves and see how they feel.”
In addition to in-person events, Sprouting Compassion extends its outreach through The Vegan Pulse, a podcast hosted by Arenas that features interviews with vegans from around the world. The show highlights diverse voices, who share their journeys toward plant-based living. “It’s not a cult,” says Arenas. “It’s people trying to put forth the best efforts to help heal the planet, stop the abuse of animals and to help individuals.”
There are many ways the community can support Sprouting Compassion’s mission. Sharing their content on social media or inviting them to host presentations or cooking demos are some meaningful ways to get involved. The organization also welcomes donations through their website.
For those who’d like to lend a hand more directly, Arenas says volunteers are always appreciated, especially for setup and outreach during public events.
To learn more or volunteer, contact Nancy Arenas at nancy@sproutingcompassion.org or visit sproutingcompassion.org.
“Nancy Arenas is the hardest working retiree I know! As a volunteer, she runs the Sprouting Compassion nonprofit, single-handedly organizes the Red & Green VegFest every year, and can often be found teaching plant-based cooking classes around town. She also hosts a weekly podcast, Vegan Pulse, and writes children’s books that teach compassion. Nancy supports animal rights via legislative advocacy, fundraising, and volunteering for a variety of nonprofits locally and worldwide. Nancy recently retired from her work at the NM Dental Association, but continues to be one of the most dedicated advocates for animal rights that Albuquerque has ever known. No matter what the issue is, Nancy’s first question is always ‘What can I do to help?'”
ammy Fiebelkorn, Albuquerque City Councilor District 7
Sprouting Compassion
9621 Shoshone Rd. Ne, Albuquerque NM 87111