Summer… Summer…Summer Time! (Courtesy of Will Smith…haha)

Can you believe that it’s June already? It’s high time in the farm season and for many of us farmers we have finally gotten in our summer crops! Some of us are already harvesting early varieties of tomatoes, watching the flowers bloom and welcoming the warmth of the sun. Summer brings celebrations with family and friends, bbq and beach bonfires, festivals, grilled sweet corn and sun kissed skin. Summer is also a time of deep reflection as it brings awareness to being halfway through the year and carries significant cultural significance for Black and Indigenous folks across the northern hemisphere.

One of the many celebrations of this summer is the beloved Juneteenth–long celebrated within the African American community. The origins of Juneteenth celebrations began in Galveston Bay, Texas on June 19, 1865, when troops arrived and announced to more than 250,000 enslaved Black people that they were free. Since that day the celebration has evolved into a special day of song, parades, art exhibitions, and honoring that our ancestors showed tenacity and faith though the road ahead seemed dark–very fitting for being one of the brightest and longest days of the year.

The summer solstice is also a very special time that I am looking forward to as it holds deep and spiritual significance to me. Not only is it the official first day of summer and the longest day of the year but is very special within my spiritual community. It symbolizes a new season of life, light, abundance and a chance to start fresh! It is a time of celebration through ceremony, music, sharing stories of introspection and of course cooking outdoors and eating together as a family!

The sustainability of our food systems and all living things depend on the cycles of the sun, earth, moon and are intimately connected to our practices of agriculture, fishing, hunting, and gathering. With the summer solstice approaching I think that it is important to celebrate Mother Earth, Earth Mother Onile, or whatever term of endearment that you may use when you speak of our environment and the soil that surrounds and sustains us. Take some time to walk outside in the grass barefoot, play outside in the garden with your children and community, paint rocks that reflect her beauty or even pick flowers to create a bouquet dedicated to the abundance she provided us with so far this year. Bask in the sun and be grateful for all the things we have been able to survive through considering where we are in the world at this time.

Region Roots Local Farm & Food Hub

This is my second year to witness the way June rolls into Region Roots. Our winter and spring months always have everyone busy working on projects, visualizing the way we will handle the bounty of the coming seasons. And then June comes in and shakes things up, offering us, our families, communities, and environment all its glory. We get to see the hard work of these lands and all of its offerings. I am a big fan of our seasonal weather and love to take the time to give thanks as I stand in front of Lake Michigan, steering out at what looks like the endless waters. Taking the time to thank the sun, clouds in the sky, birds, sand and anything else I lay eyes on.

But, this month, this June, I take the time to look at the new growth of this season on my plate, on its way to nourish my body as well as those that I love and I give thanks. I give thanks to the land, the microbes, the sun and water, the farmers' hands who tended to and plucked when ready all of the food that we are honored to eat.

My hope for you is that you take a moment to take in the beauty wherever that is.

Spring Salad
Ingredients
-Bunch Spring Salad Greens
-Asparagus (raw or cooked)
-Walnuts (or any nut of choice)
-Fresh Strawberries
-Goat Cheese

Place salad greens and all ingredients in a large bowl and toss with vinaigrette when ready to serve.

Balsamic Vinaigrette
-½ C Olive Oil
-¼ C Balsamic Vinegar
-1 garlic clove (or as much as you like)
-1 tsp Mustard
-Salt and Pepper

Put all ingredients in a mason jar and shake until well combined.

P.S. We’ve been getting some questions lately - what IS Region Roots? For those of you following along who aren’t quite sure yet, we’d love to tell you!

Region Roots is a program of the NWI Food Council and is a mission-driven, non-profit food hub. The hub provides new market opportunities to farmers throughout NW Indiana to reach restaurants, institutions, schools and wholesale buyers. We ensure farmers receive 100% of the price they set for their products–no extractive big biz price haggling here! The hub adds a small markup to cover the cost of pick up from farms and delivery to buyers, getting fresh, locally grown products to buyers within days of harvesting. Region Roots is farmer-founded and farmer-led and continues to grow by supporting NWI Food Council programming that purchases food at fair market prices from farmers to be distributed to those who need it most. Farmers that join Region Roots have full control over their listings and get to build their relationships and capacity with the support of a growing network and team of committed coordinators. Know a farmer or wholesale buyer who might be interested? Send them our way! Our two Farmer-to-Chef Coordinators, Anna and Allyssa are here for you. anna@nwifoodcouncil.org / allyssa@nwifoodcouncil.org

June- Belonging

As we jump feet first into summer, our team has been reflecting on what this season means, and we think it can be summed up with a sense of belonging. Porchea and Anna both talked about the amplified importance of family, community, and gathering in this season. From the celebration of identity with Pride celebrations across the region, to family barbecues, Juneteenth and the Solstice- we may all be seeking community in different places, but everyone benefits from a sense of belonging and a celebration of who they are. Even our gardens seek belonging, with companion plants that thrive in one another’s company and flowers and pollinators that benefit from their symbiotic relationships.

As most of you know, pollinators also ensure that we get to enjoy the abundance of fruits and vegetables through the growing season. Right now, we’re enjoying the early summer flush of strawberries. Did you know that in Bodéwadmi (Potawatomi) communities, the June full moon is sometimes referred to as Dé’men Gises (Strawberry Moon)? The strawberry holds great cultural and seasonal significance, you can learn more at potawatomi.org. We were also really interested to learn more about the significance of strawberries and red drinks in celebrations of Juneteenth this month. If you’d like to learn more about this connection between culture, food, and history, check out this article from Lori Tharps. If you want to make your own strawberry soda in honor of Juneteenth, the Strawberry Moon, the solstice, and strawberry season, check out this recipe from the Skokie Library.

As we reflect on the connections between place, culture, and the seasonal rhythms of the land, we hope that you can find your community and that sense of belonging as well. If you’re looking for local opportunities to connect and learn, we suggest checking out Mystical Farm in Gary, Indiana. The Mystical Farm Team is on-site every Sunday at 11am for on-farm teaching and guided foraging. We also recommend the newly created Indigenous Cultural Trail at the Indiana Dunes. Do you know about other places and opportunities for celebration and connection? Please share them so we can include them in future newsletters! (Contact Virginia at virginia@nwifoodcouncil.org)

Policy Updates

Farm Bill:
For food and agriculture policy lovers, Farm Bill season is in full swing! We’ll be keeping an eye out for opportunities to amplify the voices of the communities we serve.

In the meantime, we’d like to share more information about ways to get involved, resource hubs for community members, and an assortment of resources to help you learn more about the 2023 Farm Bill and why it’s important. If there’s something else you’re looking for that you don’t see here, please reach out!

Farm Bill 101

NSAC (National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition) intro to the Farm Bill
The Farm Bill provides some of the most important funding for SNAP/EBT programming, Food Bank distributions and operations, farmer programs and support and food systems grants. Please let your representatives know that you want to see our Working Hungry supported with expanded funding for food assistance and farm viability!

For a Deeper Dive

The Farm Bill: A Citizen’s Guide Daniel Imhoff

How Does it Happen?

Learn about the process and parts of the Farm Bill at the USDA website

Listen to Farmer Voices

Check out the Young Farmers Podcast

Why Does it Matter?

Civil Eats Farm Bill Reporting, including Faces of the Farm Bill

Advocate!

Contact local legislators through the Ag Senate Committee, website here. Or email here: FarmBill2023@ag.senate.gov

New Officers at the NWI Food Council!

Congratulations to our recently elected executive board leadership team! We are grateful for their leadership during this important period of growth and transition!

**Dr. Linda Royster, President**
Linda Royster retired from corporate life recently. Linda is a lifelong gardener, learner, and traveler. She now gardens in Gary, Indiana and travels across the world, spending most of her time abroad exploring Asia

**Rebecca Koetz, Vice President**
Rebecca has long had a passion for ecological work and has created new urban farm programming in her role as Lake County Purdue Extension’s Urban Agriculture Educator, from leading farm tours, teaching elementary students how to garden and running a wide variety of urban farming workshops and projects.

**Cheryl Dornberg, Treasurer**
As a Culinary Nutrition Expert and Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, Cheryl is passionate about using the power of food to achieve optimal health and believes that a healthy lifestyle begins in the kitchen. Her focus is on empowering others to prepare more from-scratch meals at home and to seek out more locally-sourced, nutrient-dense ingredients.

**Alicia Pellegrino, Secretary**
Alicia has a passion for environmental stewardship and community engagement. In her current role at Shirley Heinze Land Trust, Alicia works alongside a diverse set of partners in both rural and urban communities to increase access to resources and further conservation initiatives.

Upcoming Opportunities

Check out these upcoming opportunities for growers in our region!

The Agrivision Award will be accepting nominations until July 1. The award was established in 2007 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the agriculture industry, whether it’s developing a new technology, managing an agribusiness or organization, or working to address a global issue, to name a few. The AgriVision Award is open to any Indiana resident and all sectors of the agriculture industry

We're super excited to launch our Farmher to Mama program later this year! If you or any farmers you know are interested in joining our female farmer collective, let us know!

Please contact Becca (becca@nwifoodcouncil.org), Porchea (porchea@nwifoodcouncil.org), or Anne (info@nwifoodcouncil.org) for more info!

Grant Opportunities

Check out opportunities for funding food systems programs:

Organic Transition Initiative (OTI)
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced details around its $75 million investment in conservation assistance for producers transitioning to organic production. USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will dedicate financial and technical assistance to a new organic management standard and partner with new organic technical experts to increase staff capacity and expertise.

Justice 40 Funding Resources Page

This evolving resource page is managed by the Justice40 Accelerator and is intended to unlock resources for environmental and climate justice organizations serving Black and historically disinvested communities to accelerate their brilliant community-led solutions.

Hydroponics School Garden Grant
Take your class on an epic journey that starts with Green Our Planet’s Hydroponics School Garden Program. This program inspires students to expand their universe and is now available with this Hydroponics School Garden Grant! Due July 21

Garden Connect Program
Green our Planet's Garden Connect Program helps schools across the United States create a comprehensive school garden program that will connect students to nature and serve as an outdoor laboratory for all kinds of in-depth studies. Apply by July 21

Food Systems Job Openings

Indiana Department of Education Farm to School Coordinator–
The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) Office of School and Community Nutrition is seeking a full-time Farm to School Coordinator as part of the USDA Farm to School State Formula Grant. This grant-funded position will work closely with IDOE’s Farm to School Specialist.

Partners in Food and Farming Co-Director–
PIFF is hiring our second Co-Director. This is a full time job, located in Indiana and we are looking for someone who will work closely and collaboratively with our part time Co-Director. Major responsibilities include: Fundraising and financial management, Network development, Staffing and Board leadership, and general organizational admin.

Snack Time Explorers Program Director--
The SnackTime Explorers Program Coordinator is a new, full-time position at Pilot Light overseeing operations of the SnackTime Explorers (FFVP) program.The Snack Time Explorers initiative is rapidly growing to include 3 new school districts in the coming academic year.

Pinney Purdue Vegetable Production Research and Education Field Assistant--
The field assistant will support production of vegetable crops, data collection and research, and education events.

Community Food Systems Manager
The Indiana Department of Health Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity are hiring a Community Food Systems Manager. As part of the SNAP-Ed team, this position facilitates the collaboration of food system partners to develop, support, and sustain projects and programs that further the goals for an equitable, vibrant, and resilient statewide food system. This position is hybrid, with an office in Indianapolis.

Fischer Farms Job Openings (Multiple)
Fischer Farms in Southern Indiana is looking to fill multiple positions, including an agronomist, a herdsman, a network builder, sales, an accountant, and a process manager. Check out the link above!

Support NWI Food Council

All funds raised go toward programming and outreach to support Northwest Indiana's local food system. We're a a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and donations are tax-deductible.

Donate by Card
You can easily pay by debit or credit card right now using PayPal.

Donate by Check
Please make checks payable to “NWI Food Council” and mail to:
PO Box 530
Crown Point, IN 46308

June 2023 Newsletter- Belonging