March eNews

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Apple Buds, Canton Apples

Image courtesy of the Farm-to-Table Initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.

A Note from GardenShare's New Program Coordinator

Hello (new) friends,

I hope at this moment you are sitting in your favorite spot, warm and cozy while you dream of Spring and warmer days. In the coming weeks, as Spring renewal becomes more evident, may you find yourself planning your garden or eager to taste the produce from for favorite local farm.

My name is Erin Cuseo and I am thrilled to be the new GardenShare's new Program Coordinator. Over the last 15 years I have managed small diversified farming operations in Washington State, Colorado, and Missouri. My focus has been on vegetables, but for the last 7 years I have co-operated a Water Buffalo meat and dairy operation. Over the years I have been actively involved in Farmers Markets, both as a vendor and as a board member. I am excited to finally set down roots in St. Lawrence County.

For me, the best part about being a farmer has always been the farmers market. The connection with the consumer, whether through education or excitement, has always been the highlight of farming. During my tenure as a farmer, I partnered directly with multiple nonprofits with the goal of addressing food insecurity and increasing food access at farmers markets.

As someone who has spent most of her adult life in agriculture, I am passionate about shopping locally and providing equitable space for farmers to sell their products. I am committed to developing a local economy and I believe in the right for our customers to shop without judgment.

I look forward to meeting everyone, whether farmer, maker, or customer.

With gratitude,

Erin Cuseo

There's still time to Get in the Guide!

We are extending our initial deadline of March 1st to March 15th! You still have two weeks to get your forms in to us to make sure you business or ad is in this year's Local Food Guide!

Fillable PDF forms can be found at gardenshare.org/get-in-the-guide/ and can be emailed to annabelle@gardenshare.org!

Applications are Open!

GardenShare is excited to announce that 2024 Bonus Bucks applications are open!

Bonus Bucks allows shoppers to stretch their food dollars, support their local farmer,s and take advantage of the great local food we have right here in St. Lawrence County.It’s a win-win for everyone!

GardenShare’s Bonus Bucks program offers a cost-sharing arrangement with income-eligible St. Lawrence County residents to participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Share or to purchase at any of the following five St. Lawrence County farmers markets: Canton, Potsdam, Massena, Gouverneur, and Hammond.

If you, or someone you know, would like to take advantage of the bounty of local food that St. Lawrence County has to offer, but find it hard to stretch your food dollars to purchase, we may be able to help! Click the button above to get started!

This year's Bonus Bucks program was made possible by the generous support of the Arconic Foundation.

Sign up for a CSA Today!

Have you considered signing up for a CSA for this coming growing season? While it might feel a little early many farms rely on their pre-season CSA sales to help them prepare for the coming growing season. CSA shares fill up fast so don't waste any time! Find local CSAs with GardenShare's Online Food Guide at GardenShare.org/food-guide.

For those interested in the history of CSAs Glynwood has a fantastic article about Booker T. Whatley, the black agriculturalist, writer, and professor who was one of the pioneers of the CSA structure through his "Clientele Membership Club". Whatley's contributions to small-scale farming practices in the 1960s and 1970s can't be other stated. Read the article here!

GardenShare Intern Spotlight

Sadie Rinehimer

Hometown and Current town of residence: Delmar, New York. Currently live at St. Lawrence University

How long is your internship?: Spring Semester 2024

Why I do what I do (at GardenShare): As a CBL (Community Based Learning) intern, my role is to assist GardenShare and learn about their connection with the environment and community. I am excited to be apart of education on food insecurity and have a direct impact on the Canton Community.

Role outside of GardenShare: I am a Business and English major studying at St. Lawrence University. I am the President of Kappa Delta Sigma sorority at SLU. We are a local sorority who’s philanthropy is GardenShare, so I am excited to work closely with GardenShare this semester.

Hobbies: Reading, watching Grey’s Anatomy, hanging out with friends, playing ice hockey.

Most recent accomplishment: Being elected the President of my sorority.

What has changed the most in your time in the North Country?: My connection to Canton as a whole. Through local philanthropy and meeting community members, I truly consider Canton to be my second home. I do think since my freshman year, the winters have gotten warmer!

What's the hardest thing you've done or had to learn at GardenShare?: I think being faced with the facts of our community, and that there are many struggling when it comes to food, but I enjoy learning about how we can make positive changes, and alleviate the struggles involved with food insecurity.

Favorite song, book, or movie?: my favorite song is Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls, favorite book is Me Before You by Jojo Moyes, favorite movie is Bedtime Stories.

If you could trade places with anyone for a week, who would it be? Why?: I would trade places with my dog, ruby. She gets to be cozy in my house all day long, run outside, and gets endless hugs and kisses!

We are excited to announce our upcoming Total Eclipse of the Cornhole Tournament on Sunday, April 7th! Teams will consist of 2 players and will compete in a Double Elimination Bracket for prizes from an assortment of local businesses!

There will also be a door prize raffle for a local product gift basket. Donation of shelf-stable food will support the Colton Food Pantry. Each donation is one entry towards the door prize raffle.