May 2020
"Sunny days are on their way." littleGrasse Foodworks. Canton, NY*
“Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago.” - Warren Buffet
Now is our chance to plant a tree, to act in a way that sets up the future we want to see. For GardenShare, that future is one with a healthy and robust local food system, one where all St. Lawrence county residents experience food security.

Now, more than ever, is the time to support our local producers.

GardenShare works closely with many farmers market vendors and other farmers in the area to ensure SNAP benefits can be used to get fresh, local food. This helps local producers and helps maximize your purchasing power.
Reminder:
 All vendors at the Canton, Gouverneur, Hammond, Massena, and Potsdam
farmers markets accept credit, debit, and SNAP benefits (for eligible items).

Visit the Market Manager's table for more information.
Local Food Guides are in the Mail
Check your mailbox this week for your copy of the 2020 Local Food Guide. The Guide highlights local farmers, farmers markets, and restaurants and retail locations that feature local food.

Be sure to call ahead to double check openings and offerings before making any trips as things may have changed due to COVID-19.

Also included is our Farmers Market Customer Guide , which details how to use SNAP and other benefit programs at the markets!

Didn't get a Guide in the mail?
Email info@gardenshare.org to request a copy!
to check it out.
Did you know?
We’ve developed an online version of the Local Food Guide in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County. Find all the information you expect from the Guide - plus an interactive map - online!  
The Canton Farmers Market is Coming!
The Canton farmers market is set to open on Friday, May 15. All vendors and staff will be following the precautions and guidelines laid out by the Farmers Market Federation of NY and Ag & Markets. We ask that shoppers follow any and all rules set by the markets to ensure they stay open and safe.

Continue to check our website and the Canton farmers market Facebook page for updates as we get closer to opening day! 
“We are so excited to get this season started! COVID-19 isn’t going to dampen our mood and we will take every precaution we can to keep it away from our community! We love our farmers and small businesses and want to give them a safe place to earn money and promote their businesses. This means doing things like wearing masks, making one-way lanes, ensuring social distancing, setting up hand washing stations, and building a brand-new website for online orders. Stay strong! We got this! ” – Lizzie Parsons, Canton Market Manager

See you at the market!
"Chicken for sale." Trudeau Family Farm. Edwards, NY.*
Accepting Bonus Bucks applications for the 2020/21 season!
The Bonus Bucks program offers a cost-sharing arrangement with income-eligible St. Lawrence County residents to purchase a CSA share OR to make purchases at any of
the following St. Lawrence County farmers markets: Canton, Gouverneur, Hammond, Massena, and Potsdam.

Learn about the program, check your eligibility, and download the application here .
We want to thank everyone who has donated to Bonus Bucks so far. Last year, 46 households were supported by the program. That's 142 St. Lawrence County residents who were able to access fresh, local food and support local producers.

This year we have raised enough funds to assist 35 households and applications continue to come in. We are anticipating an increase in demand for the program this year, all things considered.

Your financial contributions make a real difference to real people. If you are in a position
to do so, please donate to the program to help us bridge the gap and spread the joys of fresh, local food.

To indicate you would like your donation to go specifically to the program, write
“For Bonus Bucks” in the “add special instructions to GardenShare” section on PayPal
or as the memo for check donations.
For those who find themselves in new and difficult situations…
These are trying times for everyone. If you find yourself or your family in need, GardenShare and other organizations are here to support you.

1) GardenShare's Food Assistance Directory can help you find resources nearby - be sure to call ahead to check availability.

2) St. Lawrence Community Organizations Active in Disaster has compiled a list of resources available for St. Lawrence County (updated to reflect COVID-19 changes).

3) St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging is available to connect older adults (60+) with food resources. Call 315-386-4730 for assistance.

4) STLC COVID-19 Help and Info group on Facebook has been a great source of information and assistance.
"Lend a helping hand... or shoulder!" Martin's Farmstand. Potsdam, NY.*
5) Robert Smith is St. Lawrence County’s Nutrition Outreach and Education Program Coordinator and can assist with SNAP applications. Reach him at Massena Independent Living Choices at 315-764-9442 x405.
GardenShare Friends are Essential!
GardenShare’s work to promote a robust local food system where everyone has enough to eat is more important today than ever.

During this crisis period we are hearing a lot about what is considered “essential.” At GardenShare, we think it is essential that everyone has access to the fresh, local food being produced by our farmers. It is essential that this local food is affordable for everyone, especially while many of us are facing financial challenges. GardenShare’s mission and work help make that happen.
"Our essential neighbors." Nature's Storehouse. Canton, NY.*
To do this essential work, GardenShare depends on help from our Friends. Please help us meet these essential needs by becoming a Friend of GardenShare and making a donation today . Your generosity will have an immediate impact on our community that will be widely felt and greatly appreciated.
*Images courtesy of the Farm-to-Table Initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.