January 2025 Newsletter
Dear Mama,
Happy New Year! As we welcome January, we are filled with excitement and hope for the fresh beginnings that lie ahead. We are excited to kick off the new year with the continuation of FarmHer to Mama program, where we are dedicated to nourishing not only your bodies but also your hearts and minds.
This month, you will receive your food totes filled with wholesome, local produce and resources to support you and your babies. We believe that every meal is an opportunity for connection, and we are here to ensure you have the best ingredients to create those memories.
As we embark on this journey together, we are also exploring ways to expand our program to reach even more Mamas in our community. We want to grow our family, sharing not just food but also knowledge and support among each other.
We encourage you to engage with us and with other FarmHers who can share their journeys and experiences. Together, we can create a strong network of support, celebrating each other’s successes and lifting each other up.
Let’s make January a month of new beginnings, filled with delicious meals, meaningful connections, and empowerment. We are grateful to have you as part of this community and we can’t wait to see what this year holds!
Food Justice For All,
The FarmerHer to Mama Team
Anne, Anna, Porchea, Virginia, Becca, Allyssa, & Veronica
January Goodies
Eggs from Eden Eggs (Crown Point, IN) and Six Day Farm (Dyer, IN)
Garlic (heads) from Full Hand Farm (Noblesville, IN)
Napa Cabbage from Full Hand Farm (Noblesville, IN)
Microgreens from Baby Greens Family Farm (Merrillville, IN)
Carrot Soup from Rainfield Farm (New Carlisle, IN)
Oats from Janie’s Mill (Ashkum, IL)
Rainbow Swiss Chard from Green Bridge Growers (Mishawaka, IN)
Breakfast Sausage from Tanglewood Acres (Mill Creek, IN)
Butterkase Cheese from Prairie Pure Cheese (Belvidere, IL)
Foodie Tips
Eggs: for a quick breakfast, try whipping up a veggie packed omelet or scramble.
Garlic heads: Keep garlic in a cool, dry place to maintain freshness. For roasted garlic, simply cut off the tops of heads, drizzle with olive oil, wrap in foil, and roast in oven until soft and carmelized.
Napa Cabbage: This cabbage can be used in salads or stir fries. For a slaw, thinly slice cabbage and toss in a dressing made of garlic, olive oil , vinegar and a tiny bit of maple syrup.
Oats: Start your day with a hearty bowl of oatmeal. For a savory twist, top cooked oats with sauteed garlic greens and an egg (cooked to your liking).
Swiss Chard: Chop and add these hearty greens to a salad, or roast or saute with some of your favorite veggies! Try adding roasted veggies, nuts or even fruit, along with a vinaigrette.
From Our Staff at the Council
Dear Mamas,
As we embrace the New Year, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each of you for being a vital part of our community at the Northwest Indiana Food Council (NWIFC). Your strength, resilience, and commitment to nurturing your families inspire us every day.
We are here to support you on your journey to health and wellness, and we are dedicated to providing resources that empower you and your loved ones. Whether through our food totes, educational workshops, or community events, we are excited to continue serving you and growing together as a community.
Thank you for trusting us to be a part of your lives and for allowing us the opportunity to support you in meaningful ways. Here’s to a bright and nourishing year ahead, filled with love, connection, and delicious meals shared with family!
With Love and Appreciation,
NWI Food Council Staff
New Year, New Beginnings: Embracing Self-Care in 2025
As we step into the New Year, the air is filled with a sense of hope and endless possibilities. It’s a time when many of us reflect on our lives, setting resolutions and intentions for growth. This year, let’s focus on nurturing ourselves alongside our families.
Begin Each Day With a Small Moment for Yourself
Start your day by carving out a few peaceful moments just for you. Whether it’s savoring your morning coffee in silence, journaling your thoughts, or enjoying a brief meditation, this small time for yourself can help set a positive tone for the day ahead.
Schedule “Me-Time” Like It’s an Appointment
Just as you would prioritize important meetings, schedule regular “me-time.” Add a slot in your calendar for reading, napping, or simply unwinding. By treating this time as essential, you make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine.
Explore Gentle, Low-Pressure Ways to Move Your Body
Physical activity doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial. Find gentle ways to move your body that bring you joy—whether it’s taking a walk, practicing yoga, or even dancing in your living room. The key is to incorporate movement that feels good and fits seamlessly into your daily life.
Say Yes to Rest (and No to Guilt!)
Rest is an essential component of self-care. Give yourself permission to take breaks, enjoy naps, and recharge without feeling guilty. Remember, rest is not a luxury; it’s necessary for your health and well-being.
Declutter One Thing at a Time
Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Tackle it in manageable steps. Focus on one drawer, shelf, or corner at a time, transforming the process into a satisfying accomplishment rather than an insurmountable task.
Nourish Your Body (Without Overthinking It)
Focus on preparing simple, balanced meals that nourish you and your family. Let go of the stress of perfectionism by aiming for a variety of foods that make you feel good. Remember, it’s about progress, not perfection.
Find Joy in the Little Things
Cultivate mindfulness by noticing and appreciating small moments of joy throughout your day. Whether it’s a child’s laughter, a sunset, or the warmth of a cup of tea, these moments can enhance your overall happiness.
Ask for (and Accept) Help
Don’t hesitate to ask for help and accept it graciously. Whether from family, friends, or the community, recognizing that support is available can lighten your load and bring some much-needed relief.
Practice Saying No
Empower your self-care journey by setting boundaries and practicing saying no when necessary. This helps ensure that your time and energy are dedicated to what truly matters to you and your family.
Celebrate Yourself Along the Way
As you navigate through the year, take time to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, both big and small. Recognize your efforts and give yourself credit for the amazing job you do every day.
This year, let’s choose to make self-care a priority. By embracing these practices, we can foster not only our own well-being but also create a positive environment for our families to thrive. Here’s to a joyful and fulfilling 2025!
A Look Ahead
February - eggs, rice, mixed greens, microgreens, spices, and 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).
