December 2024 Newsletter
Hello Mama!
As we step into December, let’s take a moment to celebrate the incredible journey of the first-time moms we serve. This past year, you’ve opened your hearts to the support and care provided by the amazing Nurse-Family Partnership nurses, who visit you pre- and post-natally, offering guidance, encouragement, and the occasional much-needed pep talk. Alongside these wellness visits, our food totes - curated with love by our staff and our beloved FarmHers here at the NWI Food Council - have been a source of nourishment, not just for your bodies but for your spirits as well.
We have shared some truly magical moments together, haven’t we? From the laughter and learning on our farm tours to the heartwarming U-Pick Flower event, where many of you captured your first photos with your babies surrounded by vibrant blooms. These experiences remind us that wellness isn’t just about physical health; it’s about finding joy, building connections, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Your resilience, your love for your little ones, and your willingness to embrace new experiences inspire us everyday.
This month, as we close out the year, we want to uplift the shared mission that ties us all together: supporting you, our Mamas, in every way we can. Our promise remains to nurture, empower, and stand by you as you navigate the beautiful, challenging, and rewarding path of motherhood.
Here’s to more moments of connection, more photos of growing babies, and more opportunities to thrive - together!
With love and gratitude,
The FarmerHer to Mama Team
Anne, Anna, Porchea, Virginia, Becca, Allyssa, & Veronica
December Goodies
Eggs from Eden Eggs (Crown Point, IN) and Fischer Farms (St. Anthony, IN)
Winter Squash from Zandstra’s Farm (Highland, IN)
Fingerling Potatoes from Green Bridge Growers (Mishawaka, IN)
Microgreens from Baby Greens Family Farm (Merrillville, IN)
Carrot Puree from Rainfield Farm (New Carlisle, IN)
Sourdough Bread from Publican Quality Bread (Oak Park, IL)
Holiday Apothecary Gift Bag from Rainfield Farm (New Carlisle, IN)
Ground Pork from Tanglewood Acres (Mill Creek, IN)
Chicken Thighs from Miller Poultry (Orland, IN)
Maple Syrup from Fischer Farms (St. Anthony, IN)
Foodie Tips
Winter squash, like acorn or spaghetti squash, can last for weeks when stored in a cool dry place.
To make squash easier to cut, microwave for 1-2 minutes to soften skin before slicing.
Mix carrot puree into pancake or waffle batter for a nutrient boost that’s kid friendly.
Revive day old bread by toasting with a bit of butter or olive oil, then top with sauteed microgreens and a cooked egg.
Use maple syrup as a natural sweetner in salad dressings by whisking it with olive oil, mustard, and apple cider vinegar.
Keep microgreens refrigerated; these greens are sensitive and should be used as soon as possible.
Use roasted squash as a creamy base for soups by blending it with broth and a splash of maple syrup.
Fingerling potatoes should be stored in a cool, dark, dry place.
From Our Staff
Porchea McGuire: Equity and Engagement Coordinator
Dear Mamas,
As the Equity and Engagement Coordinator and co-lead of the FarmHer to Mama program, I wanted to take a moment to connect with you mama to mama. This program holds a special place in my heart, not only because of the profound personal connection I feel to the community we serve.
I gave birth to my own children here in NW Indiana, and like many of you, I faced challenges in accessing fresh, culturally relevant foods that nourished both my body and spirit. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to provide for your growing family while also navigating the complexities of new motherhood. That’s why I am so proud to be part of a program that is changing the story for mothers in our community.
Through FarmHer to Mama, we’re not just delivering food totes; we’re delivering love, care, and support in every bag. From fresh greens that speak to our cultural traditions to seasonal produce that reflects the bounty of the land we share, every item is chosen with intention and purpose. It’s not just food--it’s a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and the incredible strength we carry as mothers.
It’s an honor to work alongside our FarmHers, many of whom share your journeys of raising families and feed communities. Together, we are creating a space where healthy, nutritious foods are not a luxury but a standard, where moms can feel seen, supported, and empowered to nourish themselves and their families.
Every time I see your smiles at a farm tour or hear about your little ones enjoying the foods we provide, I am reminded of why we do this work. It’s about building community that uplifts us all--a community where no mama feels like she’s walking this road alone.
Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. It’s a privilege to serve you, learn from you, and grow alongside you.
Porchea
NWI Food Council
Happy Holidays to all the incredible Mamas out there! The NWI Food Council Staff and FarmHers extend our warmest wishes for a season filled with joy, love, and delicious feasts. Your hard work and dedication inspire us every day, and we are grateful for your contributions to your families and communities. May this holiday season bring you peace, happiness, and the opportunity to create beautiful memories with your loved ones. Cheers to a joyous and bountiful holiday season!
A Look Ahead
January - eggs, homemade soup, microgreens, Swiss chard, & more!
Join our FarmHer to Mama Facebook Group for support, recipes, tips, & community.
Questions or feedback about the program? We’d love to hear from you! Reach out to Anne (info@nwifoodcouncil.org, 219-313-8828) or Porchea (porchea@nwifoodcouncil.org, 219-316-4556).
