September 2026 Newsletter

Written By NWI Food Council

Well, Mama...August was a LOT.

Between the heat, the harvest, and that derecho that decided to roll through and remind us just how little control we actually have over Mother Nature, it was quite a month. Many of our communities spent days without power, farmers were scrambling to protect crops and equipment, and families were doing their best to keep everyone cool while waiting for the lights to come back on. If you made it through August with your sanity mostly intact, we'd call that a win. I think we’re all dreaming of cooler days and less...weather.

But somehow, in the middle of all that craziness, the farms kept growing. The harvest kept coming. And our farmers kept showing up. That's one of the things we love most about the local food community—there's always someone planting, picking, packing, delivering, or figuring out how to make it work when the unexpected happens.

And now here we are in September. The days are getting a little shorter, the mornings are beginning to feel just a bit cooler, and the fields are slowly shifting from the abundance of summer toward the harvests of fall. It's a month of transition, but there's still plenty of summer hanging around in the garden. You'll find some of those last tastes of summer alongside the first signs of the season ahead in this month's box.

Before we officially say goodbye to summer, though, we have one more chance to get together! Market Mamas will be making our final pop-up appearances of the season this weekend at the LaPorte and Michigan City Farmers Markets. If you haven't made it out to see us yet, we'd love to have you! Stop by, say hello, and grab $30 in Market Mamas vouchers to use with local farmers and vendors at the market. It's a pretty great way to stretch your grocery dollars while supporting the people who grow and make the food in our own communities.

As we head into a new season, we hope you'll take a moment to appreciate everything that made it onto your table this summer—the berries, tomatoes, watermelon, zucchini, and all the other delicious reminders that food doesn't just appear at the grocery store. It comes from people who work hard, often in unpredictable conditions, to grow it for all of us.

Here's to cooler mornings, cozy kitchens, the return of fall favorites, and hopefully...a slightly less eventful September. We think we've all earned one.

Food justice for all,

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

P.S. Get up to date information on events , resources, recipes, newsletters, etc at the FarmHer to Mama Facebook page!

September Goodies

This crew loves to set up a farmer’s market.

Foodie Corner

Roma Tomatoes - The Favored Cooking Tomato

With a lower water content, “sauce” tomatoes are perfect for, well, sauce. And salsa! Which is my favorite way to use them. With the scallions, corn and peaches you have the makings for an incredibly tasty pico de gallo style salsa. Just add limes and a jalapeno!

Eggplant - The Controversial Fruit

Slightly bitter and spongy, eggplant is not everyone’s favorite. But what’s awesome about it is that it absorbs just about whatever it’s cooked in making it very versatile. One of my favorite ways to celebrate eggplant is to saute it with the lunchbox peppers and some onion and simmer in a little BBQ sauce and make a sandwich with it. Easy, delicious, fast and filling.

Mama's Community Resource Guide

A few places to turn when you need a little extra help

Sometimes the grocery bill, the electric bill, school shopping, and everything else all seem to arrive at once. If you're finding yourself needing a little help, you don't have to figure it out alone. We've pulled together some resources across Northwest Indiana that may be able to lend a hand.

Start Here: Indiana 211

Not sure where to begin? Dial 211 or 866-211-9966, or text your ZIP code to 898-211. Indiana 211 can connect you with local help for food, clothing, housing, utility bills, healthcare, childcare, employment, and other family needs. It's a great first stop when you're not sure who to call.

🍎 Food & Groceries

Food Bank of Northwest Indiana: Provides access to free grocery partners, mobile food distributions, SNAP assistance, and other food resources. Their pantry locator can help you find food assistance in Lake and Porter Counties.

Food Pantries & Community Meals: Indiana 211 maintains a current database of local food pantries, community meals, food distributions, and food voucher programs throughout Indiana.

Tip: Call 211 or visit the Indiana 211 resource finder to search by your ZIP code before making a trip. Hours and eligibility can change.

💡 Help with Bills & Utilities

CoAction: CoAction provides assistance and resource navigation throughout Northwest Indiana, including programs that can help qualifying households with energy costs, housing stability, food/nutrition, and financial stability. Serving: Jasper, Lake, LaPorte, Newton, Porter, Pulaski & Starke Counties. Phone: 219-794-1829. Toll Free: 800-826-7871.

Indiana Energy Assistance Program (EAP): If you're having trouble keeping up with your energy bill, ask about Indiana's Energy Assistance Program. CoAction administers energy assistance in several NWI counties, and 211 can help direct you to the appropriate local agency.

Need help figuring out where to apply? Call 211.

👕 Clothing & Basic Needs

Indiana 211: 211 can connect families with local clothing closets, household goods, personal care items, furniture, and other basic-needs programs.

Love INC of Greater Hammond: Connects people with local churches and community partners that may be able to help with clothing, household items, baby supplies, diapers, and other practical needs.

The Salvation Army: Local Salvation Army centers throughout Northwest Indiana offer various forms of seasonal and emergency assistance. Services vary by location, so call ahead.

🎒 Back-to-School Help

Back-to-school expenses can add up quickly! Look for local school-supply drives, backpack giveaways, clothing closets, and community back-to-school events through:

  • Indiana 211

  • Local schools and school districts

  • Township trustee offices

  • Local churches and community organizations

  • Salvation Army locations

  • Community Action agencies

Tip: Search Indiana 211 by your ZIP code for current back-to-school events and supply distributions.

🍽️ Community Meals & Charity Dinners

Need a hot meal or simply want to know where one is available? Indiana 211 maintains listings for community meals, soup kitchens, food pantries, and other meal programs throughout the region.

You can also check local churches, community centers, libraries, and food pantries for free community meals and seasonal dinners.

🏠 When Things Get Really Tough

If you're facing a housing crisis, utility shutoff, food emergency, or another situation that feels like too much to handle on your own, start with 211. A real person can help you identify available resources in your area and connect you with organizations that may be able to help.

You don't have to know the name of the program before you call. Just tell them what you need.

❤️ Save This Number

INDIANA 211

📞 Dial 211 or 866-211-9966

📱 Text your ZIP code to 898-211

🌐 in211.org

Free • Confidential • Local Resources

Resource availability, eligibility, and hours can change. Please contact each organization before visiting to confirm current services and requirements.

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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August 2026 Newsletter