August 2026 Newsletter

Written By NWI Food Council

Hello Mama!!

Can you believe we're already talking about the last full month of summer? August has a way of sneaking up on us. The gardens are still bursting with life, but there's just the slightest whisper that the seasons are beginning to shift. Farmers are racing to keep up with the harvest while making plans for everything that's still to come before the first frost eventually makes its appearance.

For our farmers, this is the month where abundance is at its peak. Watermelons seem to get bigger overnight, tomatoes are producing faster than anyone can pick them, and if you know someone with a garden...well...there's a pretty good chance they're trying to convince you to take home a zucchini or two. (Or twelve.)

One of our favorite signs of August is the arrival of watermelon. Did you know watermelons are about 92% water? That makes them one of nature's best ways to stay hydrated during these hot summer days. Whether you're slicing it up for an afternoon snack, blending it into a smoothie, or enjoying it straight from the refrigerator after a day outside, there's just something about watermelon that tastes like summer.

You'll also find local ground beef and handcrafted sourdough English muffins in this month's box—a combination that practically begs for burger night! Pair a juicy burger with fresh tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and any other veggies you have on hand for an easy meal that's full of local deliciousness. Add a side of watermelon, and you've got a dinner that celebrates some of the very best flavors of the season without spending hours in the kitchen.

As summer begins to wind down, be sure to give yourselves a few moments to enjoy these longer evenings. Whether it's eating dinner on the porch, having a picnic at the park, or sharing watermelon with sticky little hands gathered around the table, we hope this month's box helps create simple moments that become some of your favorite summer memories.

From all of us at FarmHer to Mama, thank you for letting us share the harvest with your family. We hope every bite reminds you just how much love and care goes into growing local food!

Food justice for all,

The FarmerHer to Mama Team
Anne, Jen, Virginia, Becca, & Sarah

August Goodies

Farmer Dan Perkins from Perkins' Good Earth Farm. I don’t think we’ve ever seen a “normal “ photo of him, lol

De Jong Farm. They grew your chard!

Foodie Corner

Swiss Chard...Don’t Forget The Stems!

Cooked or raw, chard is a gorgeous and mild leafy green that you can use in place of kale or spinach. If you choose to eat it raw, chop off the stems and roll the greens like a cigar then thinly slice into “ribbons”. Toss in a salad or dress it with some lemon and olive oil for a super quick side. Save the stems! Cut as you would celery and add to your skillet to soften at the end of cooking. Or, you can google a quick brine for refrigerator pickles and add to salads or other dishes that could use a pop of bright flavor and color.

Walla Walla Onions...Not All Onions Are Created Equal!

Mild and super sweet, Walla Walla onions make the best onion rings! Make your own using this crispy baked onion rings recipe. They are made in the oven so no worries about a greasy mess

Soak up the last days of summer… for FREE!

Summer is flying by, but there are still plenty of ways to make special memories without spending a lot of money. Pack a blanket, bring some snacks, and enjoy everything Northwest Indiana has to offer!

🌽 Lake County

🎵 Free Concerts at Bulldog Park (Crown Point)
Enjoy live music on the lawn throughout August. Bring lawn chairs or a blanket and let the kids dance while you relax.

🌊 Concerts at The PAV at Wolf Lake (Hammond)
Free outdoor concerts overlooking the lake make for a beautiful family evening. Many shows also include food vendors and activities.

🚶 Nature Adventure
Spend the day exploring the beaches, trails, and nature centers at Indiana Dunes National and State Parks. Junior Ranger activities are free, and many ranger-led programs are offered throughout the summer. (State park entrance fees may apply.)

🌾 Porter County

🎶 Live Music at Central Park Plaza (Valparaiso)
The downtown amphitheater hosts free concerts throughout the summer, plus there's a splash pad for little ones to enjoy before the music starts.

🚜 Fridays at Founders Square (Portage)
Enjoy the summer market with local vendors, food trucks, free live music, and a fun kids' zone.

🎬 Classic Summer Fun
Catch a double feature at 49er Drive-In Theatre. While admission isn't free, packing your own dinner and enjoying two movies under the stars makes for an affordable family night out.

🌻 LaPorte County

🎵 Downtown Concerts
Many LaPorte parks host free evening concerts throughout August. Bring a picnic and enjoy local musicians under the summer sky.

🚲 Explore the Trails
Ride bikes or take a family walk on the Chessie Trail or visit Soldiers Memorial Park for playgrounds, fishing, and plenty of room to play.

🏖 Beach Day
Pack a lunch and spend the afternoon at Washington Park Beach. Build sandcastles, hunt for beach glass, or simply enjoy Lake Michigan.

🌽 Jasper County

🎉 Community Festivals
Small-town festivals continue through August with free live music, parades, kids' activities, and local vendors in communities like Rensselaer and DeMotte.

🌳 Visit the Park
Spend an afternoon at Jasper County Fairgrounds Park or a local community park with a picnic, playground time, and a game of frisbee or catch.

📚 Library Fun
Many Jasper County libraries offer free story times, craft days, movie afternoons, and family activities before school begins.

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 at info@nwifoodcouncil.org / 219-313-8828

  • Becca at becca@nwifoodcouncil.org / 219-928-3225

  • Sarahat sarah@nwifoodcouncil.org / 503-964-7813

NWI Food Council
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July 2026 Newsletter