November 2024 Newsletter
Hello Mama!
Happy November! It’s hard to believe, but this month marks ONE YEAR since we officially kicked off the FarmHer to Mama program with our very first round of food tote deliveries. We are so grateful for this program and the opportunity to provide you and your family with fresh, local food from our incredible FarmHers and with the help of the amazing team of Nurse-Family Partnership nurses. It has truly been a wonderful year, as well as a learning process for us in starting a brand new program. Some big highlights for us have been the opportunities to make connections with many of you at our on-farm events. FarmHer to Mama seeks to provide nourishment in the form of nutritious, fresh, local food, but this program is so much more than that - it’s an opportunity for us to build relationships; to find support in one another; to uplift one another; and to celebrate one another, as women and mothers.
Life holds many unknowns, and we all seek a future where our hopes and dreams can thrive - for us and for our children. We hope that through FarmHer to Mama, you can find comfort in knowing that you have a team of women who are here for you during this incredible journey of motherhood. We are cheering you on! This month and always, we hope you can feel the love and care that is packed into this food tote.
In this month’s delivery, you’ll find several fresh and homemade items: tasty proteins like eggs and chicken breasts; nutrient-rich kale and microgreens; a fresh-made harvest salad (with greens, shallots, roasted squash, pumpkin seeds, apples, AND carrots!); crunchy sweet maple raisin granola; earthy beets; and fingerling potatoes. We hope you enjoy!
Food Justice For All,
The FarmerHer to Mama Team
Anne, Anna, Porchea, Virginia, Becca, Allyssa, & Veronica
November Goodies
Eggs from Eden Eggs (Crown Point, IN) and Fischer Farms (St. Anthony, IN)
Chicken Breasts from Miller Poultry (Orland, IN)
Fingerling Potatoes from Green Bridge Growers (Mishawaka, IN)
Microgreens from Baby Greens Family Farm (Merrillville, IN)
Kale from Tuholski Produce (La Porte, IN)
Harvest Salad from Rainfield Farm (New Carlisle, IN)
Red & Golden Beets from Perkins’ Good Earth Farm (Demotte, IN)
Maple Raisin Granola from Perkins’ Good Earth Farm (Demotte, IN)
Foodie Tips
Eggs should be kept in the refrigerator.
Meat should be kept frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Kale should be kept in the crisper drawer of the refrigerator until ready to eat. Hearty greens like kale and collards can last up to 2 weeks. Rinse before use.
Harvest salad should be refrigerated; eat within 1 week.
Keep microgreens refrigerated; these greens are sensitive and should be used as soon as possible.
Store beets in the refrigerator in a plastic bag for up to 10 days. Rinse before use.
Fingerling potatoes can be stored in a cool, dark, dry place.
Granola can be stored in its container in a cabinet or drawer. Eat within 2 weeks for best taste.
From Our Staff
Becca Tuholski: Local Food Access Coordinator
Hi Mamas!
As the Local Food Access Coordinator with the NWI Food Council, I am proud to be one of the leads for this incredible program. I am also so very honored to be one of your FarmHers! I feel lucky to be able to serve in both of these roles.
I had the opportunity to meet some of you at our recent farm events (the farm tour at Perkins Good Earth Farm in August and our Flower U-Pick and Photo night at Hickory Hills Flower Farm), and I was so blown away by the testimonials you shared with us about what this program has meant to you. As a new mother myself (my daughter is now 19 months old!), this program has been a beautiful and meaningful learning experience for me as well. I’m so thankful that you’ve joined us for this journey, and it is my greatest hope that you continue to find nourishment, support, hope, and joy through this program.
Would you take a few moments to let us know your thoughts on FarmHer to Mama? We are including a separate card in your tote with this information as well, but I want to make sure you hear directly from me what your feedback means to us. In short, your feedback helps us to shape this program and make it all that it possibly can be for you, for your family, and for all of our mamas. We want to make sure we are doing all that we possibly can to provide you and your family the best possible experience! Please use the link here to access the survey. Thank you so much for your feedback
Becca
NWI Food Council
Celebrating 1 year of FarmHer to Mama!... Celebrating 1 year of women supporting women!
A Look Ahead
December - Eggs, fresh bread, homemade soup, microgreens, carrots, maple syrup, 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).
