June eNews

June 2023

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"Yes, farmers and vendors are ready to greet you at the market".

[Campaign developed for the Farmers Market Federation of New York by 29 Design Studio]

Summer Greetings from GardenShare

My mind relaxes as I watch my flowers bloom, the leaves continue to grow larger, the grass turns green. My excitement builds as I check on my asparagus patch grow, cut and eat it fresh daily. In May, Canton and Potsdam Farmers Markets opened. What a wonderful day it was to gather and reconnect with vendors who haven't seen one another since last season, visit with new and returning customers, and of course buying delicious food for my family. I look forward to meeting and developing relationships with new vendors. I encourage you to visit a local farmers market to see what is available. To find more information check out the online food guide.

Erica is fitting right in with her new routine, meeting all the vendors, making connections with community organizations and of course dealing with the North Country weather. She is busy sharing information about GardenShare, the local food system, and promoting the markets. Listen to the NCPR interview "Got SNAP Benefits? You can double your money at farmers markets." If you have not heard about the season raffle please read on below and visit the market manager's table before June 22, 2023. Thank you to all the farmers market vendors participating in this season. See you at a farmers market.

- Carlene, Executive Director

Story Walk - No Milk

Part of the Canton Dairy Festival

As part of the celebration for June Dairy Month, read No Milk by Jennifer A. Ericsson (Author), Ora Eitan (Illustrator). You can find this story walk in Downtown Canton, Main Street beginning at the St. Lawrence County Chamber and then moving south down the street. Thank you to the local businesses hosting the book in their store front windows. This story walk will be up until Wednesday, June 7, 2023

FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative is now available at the Canton and Potsdam Farmers Markets through June 30, 2023. This program provides double the buying power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) households purchasing food at farmers markets. Eligible families will be able to purchase local fruits, meats, eggs, honey, maple syrup, vegetables and more.

The FreshConnect Fresh2You program works when SNAP households visit the farmers markets manager table to use their card. For every $2 in SNAP benefits spent, customers will receive an additional $2 FreshConnect check. This check can be used to purchase any SNAP eligible food item at the markets.

GardenShare is excited to work with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to offer this resource to our community.

Eat with the Seasons Raffle - I visited the Farmers Market!

Learn what the market has to offer throughout all of the market seasons but visiting at least three times! (Of course, you can join us many more times if you'd like.) Make a purchase before June 22 and then come to the Market Manager tent to get a spring market stamp, then come back at least once during the summer and fall market season returning your ticket after the fall purchase to be entered into the farmers market raffle. Only Canton, Gouverneur, and Potsdam are participating in the raffle.

Pride Month at the Farmers Markets!

🌽🥕🍓 Calling all farmers market shoppers and community supporters! Join us at the upcoming farmers markets in Gouverneur on June 8, Canton on June 9, and Potsdam on June 10. This year, we're adding a splash of color and celebration to the markets by inviting everyone to wear their pride attire. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with local growers, artisans, and your fellow food lovers. Let's celebrate our vibrant community together! 🌈

Want to stay in touch with the farmers market all year long?

We are currently building a mailing list specifically to highlight St. Lawrence County Farmers Markets beyond just the market season. Join us for vendor highlights, recipes, and more! If you want to receive please sign up here:

Farmers Market Manager Newsletter

GardenShare's Upcoming Events

Fight Hunger Fair and 5K is scheduled for September 17, 2023 at Canton Village Park. The family-fun event is focused on bringing awareness to Hunger Action Month. There will be multiple interactive food focus activities, community partners, and a 5K or 1 mile walk/run fundraising. More information will be coming along in next months newsletter!

Are you worried you haven't heard about GardenShare's annual dinner? Don't fret we are hosting it this fall. As more details come available from the committee we will share them.

Eat with the Seasons Raffle - I visited the Farmers Market!

Pride Month at the Farmers Markets!﻿

Pride Month at the Farmers Markets!