May 2024 Newsletter
Dear Beautiful Mama,
As May blossoms around us, we’re reminded of the sacredness and beauty of motherhood. Your nurturing spirit and boundless love infuse our community with warmth and light, creating a place of love for our families.
Celebrating Joy, Growth, Love and Hope.
As Mother’s Day approaches, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you, the heart and soul of our FarmHer to Mama family. Your love knows no bounds, and your dedication to family inspires us all. May this special day be a reflection of the love and appreciation you deserve.
Embracing the Bounty of May: Eating with the Seasons
In May, farms burst with the vibrant colors and flavors of the season. From crisp greens to luscious veggies and fragrant herbs, we are happy to share the bounty of our harvest with you. Eating with the seasons not only delights the senses but also nourishes our bodies with the freshest and the most nutrient-rich foods nature has to offer.
Spring Tips for Nurturing Your Soul
Connect with Nature: Take a moment each day to soak in the beauty of the natural world around you. Whether it’s a walk in the park or a quiet moment on your porch or balcony, let nature nourish your soul.
Celebrate Growth: Just as your garden flourishes with each passing day, so too does your journey as a mother. Take time to celebrate the milestones, big and small, and embrace the growth and transformation that comes with motherhood.
Practice Self-Care: Remember to prioritize your own well-being as you care for your family. Whether it’s a bubble bath, a quiet cup of tea, or a moment of meditation, make time for self-care and nourish your own spirit.
As we celebrate the joy of May and Mother’s Day, let us also celebrate the abundance of the season. Together, we can create a brighter, more nurturing world for ourselves and our children by embracing the goodness that each season brings. Thank you for being a part of our FarmHer to Mama family. Your presence enriches our community, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to nourish and support you on your journey.
Food Justice For All,
The FarmerHer to Mama Team
Anne, Anna, Porchea, Virginia, Becca, Allyssa, & Veronica
May Goodies
Lettuce from Green Bridge Growers (Mishawaka, IN)
Eggs from Six Day Farm (Dyer, IN) and Eden Eggs (Crown Point, IN)
Kale from Hulitt Homestead (Portage, IN)
Herbs from Hulitt Homestead (Portage, IN)
Popcorn from Kankakee Valley Homestead (Walkerton, IN)
Spinach from Rainfield Farm (New Carlisle, IN)
Pork Sausage from Willowbrook Farms (Cassopolis, MI)
Chicken Sausage from Willowbrook Farms (Cassopolis, MI)
Foodie Tips
Experiment with different toppings like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cinnamon for a unique flavor profile
Try popping your own kernels on the stove with a bit coconut oil for a delicious homemade snack
Hard-boil eggs at the beginning of the week for a quick and easy snack or breakfast on the go
Use pork sausage as a flavorful ingredient in various dishes such as pasta sauces, soups, breakfast scrambles, and stuffed vegetables
Add chopped kale to soups, stews, or stir-fries for an extra boost of nutrition and vibrant color.
Use spinach as a base for salads and top with colorful veggies, nuts, seeds, and a really good dressing.
Saute spinach with garlic and olive oil as a quick and nutritious side dish to accompany any meal.
Featured FarmHer: Porchea McGuire from Shiloh Divine Farms/NWIFC
Porchea’s passion transcends the soil. While she may have temporarily stepped away from farming, she is already planning big things for the furtherance of Shiloh Divine Farms in the near future. Beyond the fields, Porchea’s dedication shines through in her behind the scenes work with FarmHer to Mama. From recipe development to planning farm tours, she is committed to creating spaces where underserved communities can access fresh, whole, and culturally relevant foods.
Through her journey, she has experienced firsthand the healing potential of fresh, nutrient dense foods. She understands the challenges her community faces in accessing healthy options or any food, and is determined to be a force for change. Porchea’s mission is clear: to provide her community with access to locally grown foods and to fight against the disparities that have created food apartheid in many urban areas.
Her path exemplifies the profound impact of food, community, and culture in driving positive change. She is diligently planting the seeds of transformation, nurturing not only her soil but also the collective spirit of her community. Through her advocacy for food justice and equality, she is paving the way for a brighter future where fresh food and cultural heritage thrive, providing nourishment for both body and soul.
Porchea Octavia
Check out Shiloh Divine Farms in action!
Happy Mother’s Day, Mama!
A Look Ahead
June - scallions, purple top turnips, summer squash, garlic scapes, collard greens
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).
