Our farmers market season in St. Lawrence County has, sadly, come to an end for 2016. Now, for the good news...
We're still tallying October numbers, but we know that purchases made with SNAP benefits, before being doubled, increased by more than 50% as compared to last year!
This means more healthy, fresh produce consumed by low-income families, more dollars supported our local farmers, and all of these funds stayed in our local economy!
Thank you to everyone who made another successful season possible, including:
- Our farmers and producers (first and foremost!)
- Other market vendors
- Market sponsors, boards, and managers
- Customers who patronized the markets, whether occasionally or every week
- Community members who promoted the market and encouraged others to attend.
Very special thanks to the volunteers who supported GardenShare's efforts to make SNAP, debit, and credit transactions available at every farmers market in the County. You made a difference! We hope you enjoyed the experience and will be back next year.
And finally, huge thanks to the donors who made it possible for GardenShare to offer the incentive of doubling SNAP benefits at the farmers markets this year, including Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the Food Bank of Central New York's CNY Health Bucks, and numerous individual donors.
As we move through the winter months we'll be evaluating the 2016 market season and making plans for 2017.
Were you a farmers market customer this year? Help us with the evaluation by completing our
short survey.
And
thank you, thank you, and
thank you again!
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