December 2025 Newsletter

Written By NWI Food Council

Hello Mama!

November and December felt like a lighthouse for our little community. When the powers-that-be make everyday life feel heavy and uncertain, what has kept us going is witnessing — and joining — the incredible collaboration between our sister organizations, as well as seeing the community show up for one another in meaningful ways.

Thanks to donations and emergency grants, we were able to cast our net wider and serve more moms, even as many families faced the uncertainty of WIC and SNAP interruptions. With that support, we hosted three pop-ups this season, each offering pre-packaged boxes similar to the ones you received in November and December.

Here at the NWI Food Council, serving farmers and moms is the heartbeat of our work. But when our mission is strengthened and elevated through partnership — when organizations link arms and join together — it leaves a lasting impression on all of us. It has also given our team a renewed sense of energy and purpose as we head into the coming year and we hope it does for you too!

Until then, sending you all the coziest of holiday wishes. To 2026!

  • 2,014 Local Food Boxes Delivered

  • $8,020 Food Box Vouchers Redeemed

  • 281 First Time Moms participating

Food Justice For All,

The FarmerHer to Mama Team

Anne, Jen, Virginia, Becca, & Sarah

December Goodies

Here is Jen and myself (Sarah) packing up extra boxes for The Salvation Army to distribute!

Foodie Tips

  • Spaghetti Squash - If you are new here then you’ve been spared past gushings about how much I love this winter squash. I love it. I cannot get enough of it. Give it all to me. Check the preparation card for how to get the best “noodles” with little effort. Pair with anything you’d pair spaghetti with! Use the pork sausage for a meaty sauce! Allow to cool then toss with veg and dressing for a interesting take on “pasta salad”. Top with the cheddar cheese and broil for a delicious gooey crust

  • Apples upon Apples - New Variety Alerts!!! Crimson Crisp McIntosh, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious.. With all these apples, if your babe is at the stage, try out an applesauce that you made yourself! Simmer or steam apples till soft and blend well until totally smooth. To slow down these fruits from over ripening be sure to put in the fridge.

  • Gold Beets - If you have never cared much for the humble beet, allow me to introduce you to the gorgeous GOLD beet! People who think beets taste like actual “dirt” find the gold beet to be more palatable, less earthy and more sweet. I like to keep preparation and cooking to a minimum with these and boil them whole until they are just tender (don't overcook!). This makes peeling the skin super easy. Then chop and drizzle with some olive oil, a bit of your favorite vinegars, salt and pepper and that’s it!

This photo was taken by our awesome volunteers who assisted with packing 200 boxes in a day!!

Mom’s Resources Throughout Northwest Indiana

Food Banks of NWI - (Lake+ Porter Counties)

Feeding Indiana - (LaPorte + Starke Counties)

Food Finders- (Jasper, Newton, Pulaski Counties)

Community Compass - Resource categories, what the SNAP and WIC programs are, and if you can get money to help buy groceries each month.

211.org - Connects you to expert, caring help

Find Help.org - Free or reduced cost help for food, housing, financial assistance 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 at info@nwifoodcouncil.org / 219-313-8828

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

Sarah at sarah@nwifoodcouncil.org / 503-964-7813

 
NWI Food Council
Next

November 2025 Newsletter