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"Ripening Tomatoes." Martin's Farm Supply. Potsdam, NY.
Photo Courtesy of the Farm-to-Table Initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County
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National Farmers Market Week Brings St. Lawrence County Together! | |
We're excited to announce that August 6 - 12 will be National Farmers Market Week! This year's theme set by the Farmers Market Federation of NY, "Farmers Markets Bring People Together," emphasizes how these markets promote building a community and connect patrons from diverse backgrounds.
Shopping at farmers markets is a direct way of supporting local farmers, allowing them to continue to provide outstanding produce and artisanal goods while keeping money within the local economy. To celebrate, we'll feature unique vendors daily on our Facebook page throughout the week. Join us in discovering and supporting these amazing contributors to our flourishing farmers markets! Let's honor the tremendous impact of farmers markets in creating lively, robust communities. Click here for a list of the St. Lawrence County farmers markets!
Also, don't forget to cast your vote in the 2023 America's Farmers Market Celebration hosted by the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition! Winning farmers markets from across the country will be awarded from a prize pool of $15,000!
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Celebrate National Farmers Market Week with Our Children's Coloring Contest!
Join us in commemorating National Farmers Market Week with a fun-filled children's coloring contest. Starting on July 30th, participants can obtain their coloring sheet from either Canton, Potsdam, or Gouverneur at the GardenShare Market Manager Tent. Coloring sheets can also be found at the Massena and Hammond markets. Additionally, the coloring sheets are also accessible in PDF format here! The coloring sheet features an illustration by local artist Andrew Carpino from Potsdam, NY.
To enter the contest, all you have to do is submit your completed coloring sheet by August 12th. Winners will be announced the following week and will receive $10 in Farmers Market tokens that can be redeemed at any participating market. This contest provides a fantastic opportunity for kids to engage with locally sourced produce, display their artistic skills, and support our hardworking farmers markets!
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One More Month Until GardenShare’s Annual Fight Hunger Fair & 5K | |
Save the date for GardenShare's annual Fight Hunger Fair & 5K, a fantastic family-fun event aimed at raising awareness for Hunger Action Month. Experience a day filled with engaging food-centered activities, community partnerships, and the option to participate in a 5K race or a 1-mile walk/run to raise funds.
This year's event will take place on Sunday, September 17th, with registration opening on Thursday August 17th. Register you or your team at runsignup.com/fighthunger5k! We invite you to join us in this meaningful initiative to combat hunger in St. Lawrence County and make a positive difference together!
Premier Sponsors: Brookfield, Corning Foundation, Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield, Stauffer Farms, Stewart's Shops, TJ Toyota,
Partnership Sponsors: NuMed
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Meet GardenShare's Summer Interns | |
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Claire Murphy
Hometown and Current town of residence: Potsdam, NY
Role at GardenShare: Farmer’s Market Ambassador Intern
Why I do what I do (at GardenShare): At GardenShare I work on SNAP/EBT outreach as part of the farmer’s market program at local markets in St. Lawrence County.
Role outside of GardenShare: I am a graduate of Potsdam High School and I’m currently attending Hamilton College.
Hobbies: I enjoy doing art projects and crafts, such as scrapbooking and painting, and I love to bake.
Favorite song, book, or movie?: My favorite books are the Lockwood and Co. books by Johnathan Stroud.
What would I find in your refrigerator right now?: A few necessities and a lot of chocolate!
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Ryan Kurgman
Hometown and Current town of residence: Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland / Canton, NY
Role at GardenShare: Farmers Market Events Planner
Why I do what I do (at GardenShare): I wanted to work for GardenShare because I deeply believe in the importance of localizing food systems to promote environmentally friendly practices and stimulate local economies. Successful farmers markets and CSA, which GardenShare works to promote, are the first step towards localizing our food system.
Role outside of GardenShare: Student at St. Lawrence University. Majoring in Environmental Studies and Sociology
Hobbies: Photography, Skiing, Hiking, hanging out with friends.
What has changed the most in your time in the North Country?: Appreciation for rural life as I am from just outside of Baltimore
What has stayed the same?: Connection to the outdoors
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2023 Bonus Bucks Enrollment is Still Open!
We are thrilled to share that, thanks to the generous support of the Arconic Foundation, the Bonus Bucks program is still open for this fall at GardenShare! With Bonus Bucks, you can double your buying power, making it a fantastic opportunity to support local farmers and markets. You can use Bonus Bucks at any participating Farmers Market or certain local farm's CSAs.
For more details on enrollment and the Bonus Bucks program, please visit our website. Don't miss this chance to stretch your budget while enjoying fresh, local produce and contributing to a thriving community!
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Spread the Summer Love: Donate Your Garden Surplus to Help Those in Need!
Do you have an abundance of produce in your garden? Give back to your community by donating to local food pantries, free will dinners, or recovery houses in need! GardenShare's Local Food Guide provides a directory of organizations that can benefit from your surplus veggies. It's a simple gesture that can make all the difference, especially during the summer when fresh produce is in high demand.
Together, let's help ensure that everyone has access to healthy, sustainably grown food. Check out our website for more information on how you can contribute to our mission of creating a thriving local food system that promotes food security for all St. Lawrence County residents. Thank you for your commitment to our cause!
Basket of Radishes, Fuller's Farm, Canton, NY
Photo Courtesy of the Farm-to-Table Initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County
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Save the Date - GardenShare's Annual Fundraising Dinner
GardenShare's Annual Fundraising Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at Jake's On the Water in Hannawa Falls. More information will be coming along in next month's newsletter!
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Cornell Cooperative Extension's Local Foods Weekend
Don't miss CCE's upcoming Local Foods Weekend, September 8 - 10th! This event will include a variety of kid-friendly events and over 30 participating farm and food businesses. Click here to learn more!
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~ Farmers Market Fun Fact ~
The average distance food travels from farm to grocery store in the US is 1500 miles. At the St. Lawrence Country Farmers Markets however food travels an average of just 21 miles from farm to market!
| Thank you for reading our August 2023 eNews! | | | | |
