September 2024 Newsletter
Hello Beautiful Mama,
As we step into the crisp, cool days of September, we’re reminded of the beauty that comes with the change of seasons. Autumn is a time of transformation, as the leaves turn golden and the harvests bring in a bounty of fresh produce. It’s a time to reflect on the growth of the past months and to prepare for the cozy, nourishing months ahead.
Seasonal Spotlight: What’s Coming in the September Tote
This month’s FarmHer to Mama tote is packed with some of the season’s best offerings, perfect for creating warm and comforting meals as we transition into fall.
Here’s what you’ll find:
Fresh Baked Bread: Perfect for making hearty sandwiches or enjoying with a warm bowl of soup.
Slicing Tomatoes: Juicy and ripe, these tomatoes are great for salads, sandwiches, or even homemade sauces.
Mini Eggplants: Versatile and delicious, these can be grilled, roasted, or added to your favorite pasta dish.
Snacking Peppers: Sweet and crunchy, these are perfect for a quick snack, adding to salads, or roasting for a burst of flavor.
Apples: Crisp and sweet, ideal for snacking, baking, or adding a touch of sweetness to savory dishes.
These ingredients are not only packed with nutrients but also bring a taste of the season to your table. We encourage you to explore new recipes and enjoy the comfort of late summer’s harvest.
Heartfelt Thank You: FarmHer to Mama Tour at Perkins Farm
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to all the nurses, moms, and little ones who joined us for the FarmHer to Mama Farm Tour at Perkins Farm in Demotte. It was a joy to see you all connect with the land, learn about where your food comes from, and share in the experience of farm life. Your presence made the day truly special, and we hope it was as memorable for you as it was for us.
A special thank you goes out to our wonderful nurses who continue to support and care for our mamas and their babies. Your dedication and love are the backbone of our community, and we are so grateful for everything you do!
With love and sunshine,
The FarmerHer to Mama Team
Anne, Anna, Porchea, Virginia, Becca, Allyssa, & Veronica
September Goodies
Eggs from Six Day Farm (Dyer, IN) and Eden Eggs (Crown Point, IN)
Heirloom Tomatoes from Perkins’ Good Earth Farm (Demotte, IN)
Plums from Garwood Orchard (La Porte, IN)
Honeycrisp Apples from Garwood Orchard (La Porte, IN)
Mozzarella Cheese from BelGioioso (Green Bay, WI)
Spring Mix from Sunchoke Farms (South Bend, IN)
Sourdough Bread from Publican Quality Bread (Oak Park, IL)
Snacking Peppers from Rainfield Farm (New Carlisle, IN)
Mini Eggplant from Tuholski Produce (La Porte, IN)
Chicken Breast from Miller Poultry (Orland, IN)
Foodie Tips
Fresh Baked Bread: Enjoy your fresh baked bread by lightly toasting it and topping it with a drizzle of olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a few slices of the juicy slicing tomatoes from your tote. This makes a simple yet delicious snack or light meal.
Slicing Tomatoes: Preserve the peak flavor of your tomatoes by making a quick tomato sauce. Simply sauté chopped tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until they break down into a sauce. This can be used over pasta, as a pizza base, or for dipping that fresh bread!
Snacking Peppers: These sweet, crunchy peppers are perfect for a quick snack on the go. You can also slice them up and add them to salads for a burst of color and sweetness or stuff them with cream cheese or hummus for a tasty appetizer.
Featured FarmHer: Julie Perkins, Perkins Good Earth Farm
“Growing up in DeMotte, I spent my early years working on local farms, never imagining that one day I’d own a farm, marry a farmer, and be fully immersed in farm life. Yet here I am! In the beginning, I focused on harvest, weeding, and other fieldwork, but over time, I discovered my true passion: teaching our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) members how to cook and learning from them in return. I also have a deep love for picking berries and still serve as the primary harvester of the organic raspberries we grow on our farm.
In 2021, we took a big step by adding a commercial kitchen to our farm, and it has been a game-changer! We now create nourishing soups and salads using the organic veggies and greens we grow right here on the farm. We also collaborate with other local farmers to source fruits for our jams, granolas, and gluten-free desserts.
I’m thrilled to be part of the FarmHer to Mama community, providing wholesome food to families. While I bring a lot of cooking experience and tips to the table, I’m constantly learning new techniques and ideas from others. We’re all on a journey to nourish ourselves and our loved ones, and doing so within a community makes it even more powerful. If you’re looking for cooking inspiration, especially with local, seasonal veggies and meats, feel free to explore the recipes we share on our website at https://perkinsgoodearthfarm.com/ - we’d love for you to check it out!”
— Julie Perkins
Check out Perkins Good Earth Farm in action!
September Tips: Nourish Your Body and Soul
As we move into fall, it’s important to take care of ourselves and our families. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this beautiful season:
Stay Cool and Cozy: As the temperatures drop, keep warm with hearty soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. These meals not only warm the body but also nourish the soul.
Embrace Seasonal Eating: Focus on incorporating fall fruits and vegetables into your meals. Foods like apples, pumpkins, and leafy greens are not only delicious but also packed with vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.
Take Time for Yourself: The change of seasons is a perfect time to slow down and reflect. Whether it’s a quiet morning walk, a few minutes of meditation, or simply enjoying a warm cup of tea, make sure to carve out some time for self-care.
Connect with Nature: Spend time outdoors enjoying the late summer air. Whether it’s a family walk through the park, visiting a local farm, or just playing in the yard, fresh air is a great way to refresh and rejuvenate.
A Look Ahead
October - winter squash, collard greens, apples, pears, & tomatoes!
As we move into October, keep an eye out for more seasonal goodies in your totes, along with some fun fall activities and recipes. We’re excited to continue this journey with you, supporting your health and well-being through every season.
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).
