May 2026 Newsletter

Written By NWI Food Council

Hello Mama!

It’s Momma Month!!! Or at least here at the NWI Food Council it is! For all the people out there who are caretakers, soon-to-be-moms, moms that are no longer with us, those of us that hope to be moms, the sum of us that call our furry friends children and especially for those of us that maybe didn’t have a maternal figure in our life...this month is for all of us!

May is especially special for our farmer folk too as the weather is (finally!) warming the soil enough that the crops begin to take off like rockets and the first tend veg of Spring is harvested...greens of all sorts, green onions, rhubarb and asparagus...all of which make a showing in this month’s box.

Yesterday our driver’s route had to get cut into two because for the first time since November, abundance is back. Watching the forklifts wheel around carrying pallet after pallet of freshness made all of us do a little happy dance. I hope that when you open up goods, you also do a little happy dance. AND! we especially hope you enjoy asparagus because you will be receiving two pounds of it. insert sheepish giggle The best part about local goods (we think) is they are fleeting. They arrive a little late and exit early enough before we’re all sick of them...like the perfect party guest. Hence, their limited appearance means you take advantage if you can. Be sure to check out the rest of the newsletter and our recipes if you need help on using them up.

New to rhubarb? You’re not alone! While technically a vegetable, rhubarb is most often treated like a fruit and shines in sweet-tart recipes. Its bright pink stalks bring a tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with apples, strawberries, honey, and warm spices. Be sure to check out this month’s recipe card for a simple spring-inspired way to use it — and don’t be afraid to experiment a little. Rhubarb season is short, which makes it extra special while it lasts!

Also, be sure to get outside this month! Whether it’s to celebrate that special maternal figure in your life, or to warm your winter bones, or to give some love to the Grande Dame herself, Momma Earth, check out page 3 for some ideas and expieriences to help you do just that.

Food Justice For All,

The FarmerHer to Mama Team

Anne, Jen, Virginia, Becca, & Sarah

May Goodies

NWI Food Council Booth

Team member Molly setting up for the Prenatal Well Event we attended

Foodie Corner

Farrissey Farm!

Margaret is providing her very first harvest to FarmHer to Mama as a full-time farmer this year after setting down her nurse scrubs. If you receive her lettuce in the box, the above photo shows you a photo of her micro farm in her backyard. Seriously impressive!!

Ok so asparagus. When it comes down to it, asparagus barely cooked on some rice or other grain or with pasta is an asparagus lover’s “perfect meal” as local asparagus is so sweet and tender.

Rhubarb!! When paired with the apples, we think rhubarb is fantastic minus any extra sugar as it really allows its “bright” flavor to shine. Check out the recipe for the compote or do something rogue and grab a recipe online for pickled rhubarb or rhubarb vinegar!

🌿 Free Ways to Get Outside in Northwest Indiana This May🌿

May is one of the most beautiful months to explore Northwest Indiana. The birds are back, the dunes are waking up, and the first true warm days make getting outside feel like medicine for the soul. Here are a few free (or nearly free!) ways to soak it all in this month:

  • Take a neighborhood nature walk and look for signs of spring — flowering trees, baby birds, tulips, lilacs, and the first veggie gardens coming to life.

  • Visit your local library and check if they offer free park passes, story walks, seed libraries, or family outdoor events this month.

  • Explore free walking trails at places like Gibson Woods, Oak Ridge Prairie, or the Indiana Dunes’ public trail areas. Even a short walk surrounded by trees can help reset the nervous system.

  • Bring a blanket to a local park and have a simple outdoor snack or picnic with the kids. Sometimes a peanut butter sandwich tastes better outside.

  • Try a “color walk” — pick a color and see how many shades of it you can spot in nature. It’s surprisingly calming and kids tend to love it.

  • Spend 10 quiet minutes outside in the morning or evening sunlight. No phone, no chores, no agenda. Just fresh air and a reminder that winter doesn’t last forever.

Don’t forget...you’re part of the seasons, too!

What’s Blooming In Your Backyard?!!

Spring Foraging in NWI: Nature’s Tiny Helpers

Spring is finally bursting into life in Northwest Indiana, and with it comes a buffet of wild, free, nutrient-packed greens—often hiding in plain sight in our yards, parks, and fields. Always be sure to wash well before consuming!

Here are some easy-to-identify edible or medicinal “weeds” to look out for this season:

Chickweed

A soft, tiny green that’s perfect for salads, pesto, or a gentle tea. Think of it as nature’s “spring cleaning” gift, helping to refresh your body after the long winter of heavier foods.

Dandelion (leaves & flowers)

Bright yellow and packed with vitamins A, C, and K. Leaves are slightly bitter, great in salads or sautéed, and flowers make a floral tea or fritter. Dandelions support liver and digestion health.

Wild Onion / Ramps

Look for thin green shoots with a garlicky aroma. Both leaves and bulbs are edible and make a wonderful spring flavor boost in soups, eggs, or sautés. They support digestion and circulation.

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
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April 2026 Newsletter