March Newsletter - Balance
Greetings, Friends!
Spring is officially here, and with it comes the realization that an abundance of local food is just around the corner. Greenhouse planting is in full swing, and new seedlings are bursting forth. With warmer days ahead, farmers and gardeners will soon be out in the fields and in garden beds preparing for transplanting and planting. Food lovers across the Region are already dreaming of fresh spring salads.
However, for many in our Region and across the country, spring produce – in addition to other staple items like breads/grains, dairy, and proteins – will simply be out of reach. You may have heard of the “hunger cliff” in recent news; due to the ending of SNAP Emergency Allotments across the country, SNAP recipients “will on average lose about $82 of SNAP benefits a month,” according to Food Research and Action Center’s Ellen Vollinger. For some households, the amount will be even higher. This loss is stunning, as it affects millions of Americans who depend on SNAP to secure food for themselves and their families. For many states, this change took place on March 1st, but for others (like Indiana), the decrease in monthly SNAP allotments came even sooner. To add to the issue, in February, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Food at Home Index showed a rise in food cost of 10.2% over the last 12 months.
So what does this mean for our NWI Region? A heavy loss in SNAP benefits, high rates of inflation, and already-encumbered food pantries means that many will be struggling to put food on the table. Per Feeding America, the latest data from 2020 shows that among the 7 counties of Lake, Porter, La Porte, Newton, Jasper, Starke, and Pulaski, at least 107,080 individuals are food insecure. While not all of these individuals are SNAP-eligible (at or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Level), even those who don’t meet SNAP eligibility are facing difficulties. Further, this number is now likely higher due to the impacts of COVID and rising food costs. But, even in such a trying time, there is hope ahead.
Hope because there are so many of us fighting to make food insecurity a thing of history and to make farming a healing, viable vocation. We have an opportunity to balance the scarcity and abundance of resources right here within our own region to keep each other fed as whole humans. While we work on the long policy fight for equitable food access with more permanent public safety nets, the NWI Food Council has made serious headway to address acute nutrition needs in our region with deepening partnerships and new grant funding.
It’s a LOT to unpack here in one email so today, we’d like to give an overview of what you can expect to see from us in the coming weeks, months and years. ALL of our programs hold farm viability and food security with equal value - which is why you’ll see us continuing to push for programs where food is purchased at market price from local farmers and distributed to families with compassionate, trauma-informed approaches. Our staff and programs are growing rapidly, so if you see any opportunity to plug in with us, share feedback or help us make connections - we’d love to hear it! Building a resilient food system with you and for you in NWI is why we’re here.
So what is it that we’re doing to balance the needs of our region's farmers and food producers with the needs of our community members who struggle to afford their next meal? We’d love to tell you!
The council has been awarded a $600,000 Health Issues and Challenges from the Indiana Department of Health to create a monthly local food box distribution program to food insecure first-time mothers living at or below 250% of the federal poverty line. This program is in partnership with the NWI Food Council, Nurse Family Partnership, Purdue Extension and the Food Bank of NWI. The funding will also go to support stronger SNAP and WIC programming at farmers markets across NWI.
The NWI Food Council, in partnership with the Illinois Public Health Institute, Michigan State University, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Chicago Food Policy Action Council and others, have been awarded a $16 million grant for 5 years to transform school food programs in underserved communities across the Great Lakes region with large subgrants and technical assistance to schools.
We are working with the Indiana Department of Health Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement programs to purchase local food from socially disadvantaged farmers and distribute to underserved communities in Northwest Indiana. The state of Indiana will make millions of dollars in local food purchases for the next 3 years.
Region Roots Local Farm and Food Hub (a program of the council) is pursuing a contract with the Indiana Department of Health’s Local Foods for Schools program, which is open exclusively to distributors and hubs working to support the purchase of food from local farms to Indiana schools in the next school year.
Multiple community partners are in conversation with the food council to support Produce RX, Produce Prescription and Senior Food Box programs - an area of priority for a lot of state and federal funding in the years to come!
It’s a lot! We have grown from 0 paid staff and tireless volunteers (for 7 years!) to 9 staff members in just 14 months to support these programs. We are in a very exciting stage of growth that will allow us to better build a food system where every person has the opportunity to live a healthful, productive life. We are looking forward to some real and transformative change for our region and hope you’ll be with us along the way.
In solidarity,
Anne Massie
Co-Executive Director
NWI Food Council
Becca Tuholski
Local Food Access Coordinator
NWI Food Council
Region Roots Local Farm & Food Hub
Hello Region,
I hope everyone is gearing up for the spring season and all that it can come to offer. Although our Winter’s do not seem to pack that same punch as they did when I was growing up in the 80’s, it's still one of my favorite seasons in the Midwest. Taking a walk on a trail or in your neighborhood, between a day of snow and a day of warm sunshine, is always exciting to look around and find green patches of earth emerging. This year I have already been able to find flower buds making their way out for the season.
For those of us who like to garden or take the time to feed our community through farming as a business, seed planting is in full swing. Baby chicks are being tenderly acquired and cared for, chickens are starting to lay, piglets and calves are being born, and it's truly a beautiful time just to sit and observe. The dynamics between the winter thaw and spring’s emergence offers us a time to think of and observe the cycle of life on this planet.
In honor of planting season and our earth, I thought I would include a few seed starting hacks that may help you get your garden started.. A few years ago I was taught how to start seeds in milk jugs, plastic rotisserie containers and other common household one and done containers. Community gardens usually have seed swapping events or extra seeds to get you started if you take a look around your local community. It’s a great way to meet like minded people as well!
Since my own chickens are in full swing again and I am finding all the ways to use the wonderful eggs, I have included a Hash Brown Crust Bacon and Cheddar Quiche. Because the one thing that is true for me is that anytime I can incorporate potatoes into my breakfast, I am that much happier!
I hope to see you walking around our local farmers markets, a local restaurant, or anywhere else we like to gather in the Region! And, don't forget to say hello if you see me.
Cheers!
Anna Martinez
Farm to Chef Coordinator
NWI Food Council ~ Region Roots
Balance
Earlier this week we celebrated the Vernal Equinox, which means in spite of this week’s cold snap we are officially welcoming spring to the Region. Equal parts light and dark, the equinox is an opportunity to reflect on the benefits of balance. The return of birds chirping and the sight of daffodils pushing through the soil remind us that spring is a time of renewal and new beginnings, while chilly evenings provide one more chance to rest and reflect before the hustle of the summer growing season is upon us. As Anne, Anna, and Becca reminded us earlier in this month’s newsletter, a mindful observation of balance provides an opportunity to express gratitude for the abundance our region provides as well as support for our neighbors who may be struggling.
For me, the equinox and the arrival of spring are also a reminder of the importance of community and collaboration. I recently found myself inspired by this article in Civil Eats about South Chicago Farm- and it got me thinking about all of the opportunities and small steps we can take to build the community we want right here in NWI. This spring there are many opportunities to connect as we build a community driven, just, and thriving food system in our region. For farmers, our friends at the Hoosier Young Farmers Coalition are launching a brand new mentorship program to pair beginning and more seasoned farmers. Also, our friends at Legacy Taste of the Gardens are hosting their second annual series of Black Loam Conferences all around the state to elevate and support BIPOC farmers. Our friends at Purdue Extension are working to support community gardens throughout the region with their Grass to Garden Program being hosted at Gabis Arboretum. For those of you planning a home garden, you can build community with your garden surplus by sharing with a neighbor or a local pantry, or helping out at a local school garden. As we work towards long term change, let’s grow our regional food system together!
Wishing you balance,
Virginia Pleasant
Co-Executive Director
NWI Food Council
Policy Updates
National:
As of January 19, at least 23 states and the District of Columbia have introduced policies to advance free, healthy school meals for all students! That’s nearly half of all states, representing 52% of all students under 18. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government allowed schools to provide free meals to all children as a temporary emergency measure. Last legislative cycle, at least 14 states recognized the beneficial impacts of universal meals and introduced legislation to continue serving free meals after federal support ended in June 2022. Indiana isn't on this list yet, but visit the National Farm to School Network to learn more.
Farm Bill:
For food and agriculture policy lovers, Farm Bill season is around the corner! We’ll be keeping an eye out for opportunities to amplify the voices of the communities we serve.
In the meantime, the USDA currently has an open survey for farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. (Closes March 31) Share your vital feedback with USDA by taking a nationwide survey! The survey is completely anonymous, will take about 10 minutes, and is available in multiple languages.
Our Team is Growing
Big news!
Welcome Dominique Edwards! Dominique has been hired by the NWI Food Council as an Equity & Engagement Coordinator. We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Dominique to the growing staff of the council and for her to take her deep love (as the sole founding member still serving on our board!) for food justice work to new heights.
Welcome Porchea McGuire! Porchea has been hired by the NWI Food Council as an Equity & Engagement Coordinator. We feel honored to have Porchea move back to the region after years in Pennsylvania operating an urban farm, doing incredible food justice work. We are ecstatic to have her expertise and passion drive us forward.
Congratulations to our favorite hub driver, Allyssa McAley! Allyssa was recently promoted to Farm to Chef and Logistic Coordinator and she's already hit the ground running. Allyssa has an impressive background in the restaurant industry and rounds out her love for food with her flourishing homestead complete with chickens, ducks and abundant garden. Be sure to wave to Allyssa as she zooms around the region bringing more locally grown food to chefs, schools, hospitals and more.
Upcoming Events
The Working Hungry Documentary Screening
Date & Time: April 26, 11AM
Location: South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority
The Working Hungry documentary film screening and discussion to address the growing crisis of food insecurity. This screening is part of a series co-hosted by the NWI Food Council and Partners:
Jasper County Community Service: April 19, 2-4pm (NWI Community Action)
State Street Church: April 21, 6-8pm (The Pax Center)
YMCA Southlake: April 27, 1-3pm (NWI Community Action)
Virtual PSA Training for Market Farmers
Date & Time: April 28 and June 16
Location: Virtual
The cost of this training is covered by the Indiana Farmers Market Community of Practice. Participants will receive their certificate of completion in the mail.
Purdue Extension Farmers Market Certificate
Date: Tuesdays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25
Location: Hybrid
Learn how to navigate food safety regulations, understand legal issues of markets, improve market stability, offer food assistance programs, manage conflict, and more.
Registration/more info at:https://cvent.me/XVN4ba
$75
Includes market manager or market vendor manual, which
you select during registration. The Indiana Cooperative Development Center has funding
to provide a $50 discount code. Contact Amanda Mosiman for information at bailey1@purdue.edu.
21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge
Date: April 3-23
Location: Virtual
Food Systems New England presents its annual 21 Day Racial Equity Habit Building Challenge. Each year, thousands of individuals and hundreds of officially participating organizations join in a shared journey of learning and charting a course of action to dismantle racism in our food system and our world.
Poverty Simulation: Understanding & Empathy - Lake County
Date & Time: Thursday, April 13, 2023, 10:15 AM - 01:00 PM CT
Location: Jean Shepherd Community Center, Hammond
A Poverty Simulation is a facilitated, immersive experience designed to provide participants with a glimpse of the realities of poverty. Participants assume the roles of “families” who do their best to survive week‐to‐week over a simulated one‐month period. The simulation presents participants with real‐life scenarios and challenges faced by people living in poverty. The exercise is immediately followed by a group debrief and discussion, during which participants reflect on the experience, discuss insights, and consider next steps.
Black Loam Conference - Gary
Date & Time: Saturday, April 15, 9a-5p
Location: Calumet Township Multi-Purpose Center, 1900 W 41st Ave, Gary, IN 46408
The Black Loam conference builds agricultural relationships and networking opportunities. These workshops will provide introductions to USDA programs and resources available to BIPOC and socially disadvantaged rural, urban and community farmers, growers and producers to assist and increase participation of USDA programs, loans, grants, sustainable agriculture practices, business planning, and community development.
Grant Opportunities
Check out opportunities for funding food systems programs:
Lake County Master Gardeners "Help Others Grow" - The purpose of the Lake County Master Gardeners Association’s (LCMGA) Grant Program is to promote the objectives of the organization by providing grants from $200 to $600 within the borders of Lake County, Indiana. Awards are dependent on funds available and the number of applicants during any given award year. Due April 1st, 2023.
USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovation Program - The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production projects through two categories, Planning Projects and Implementation Projects. Due March 27, 2023.
Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program - The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program and provides mandatory funds for which supports education, mentoring, and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers. Due April 27, 2023.
The School Nutrition Foundation (SNF) is teaming up with industry partners to provide new kitchen equipment to school districts! You can now apply for the 2023 SNF Equipment grant program, which includes applications for five grants. Eligible applicants have the opportunity to win equipment grants, each worth between $20,000 to $100,000 of equipment. Application and photos must be submitted by a school nutrition director. The deadline for this grant application is March 31, 2023, at 11:59 pm EST, only the first 30 applications will be considered.
2023 Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP) grants, including Local Food Promotion Program, Farmers Market Promotion Program, and Regional Food Systems Partnership grants.
Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP)
Value-Added Producer Grants (VAPG)
New this year: the addition of the “Turnkey” project type. This is a streamlined application type for a defined set of activities for FMPP and LFPP projects that range from $50,000 to $100,000.
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.
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Donate by Check
Please make checks payable to “NWI Food Council” and mail to:
PO Box 530
Crown Point, IN 46308