Everybody Eats
GardenShare's Bimonthly Newsletter
Volume 12 No. 4
Sharon Williams volunteers at the Potsdam Farmers' Market. We could still use some volunteers to help staff the booth. If you're interested, email us for more details. 
SNAPping It Up at the Farmers' Markets
 
We have had a great first couple of months at the EBT booths this year. We are on track to double Food Stamp sales at the Potsdam and Canton Farmers' Markets over last year!

The new incentive program, where each Food Stamp dollar is basically worth $1.50, is bringing new customers, as well as more dollars, to the markets.

"It gives me a reason to come down here," said one EBT user at the Potsdam Farmers' Market last week. "This is a great program," said another as she held up a bag full of sweet corn.

FreshChecks from the New York State Department of Ag and Markets have arrived as well, to help us continue to offer the bonus throughout the market season. This year's pilot incentive program has been working well, and we are exploring ways to make this program available at every Farmers' Market in St. Lawrence County in the future.
GardenShare Is Now Part of SEFA 
Because GardenShare is now part of the State Employees Federated Appeal, it is easier than ever for New York state employees in St. Lawrence County to support an equitable and sustainable food system!

 

There are so many important causes competing for your contributions through this appeal, that just leafing through the booklet can be completely overwhelming. One thing to consider is the powerful impact your contribution can have when you keep it local. 
Local Meat Processing Study Complete  

In 2011, GardenShare, in cooperation with North Country Pastured, received a USDA RBEG grant for a feasibility study on the potential profitability of a mobile four-legged slaughter facility in St. Lawrence County.

The findings are in, and it seems that there is potential value in increasing local meat processing capacity, and adding organic certification capability. To read more about the findings and download a copy of the study, click here.
GardenShare's Sustainers Circle is a group of people who commit to supporting GardenShare for three or more years. If we can get five new sustainers by the end of August, two anonymous GardenShare sustainer families will raise their already generous support by $1,000! 
Read more about it here.
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SAVE THE DATE
THURS. NOV. 8 AT 7:00pm 
Join us for a free evening of fun, socializing and sharing some amazing desserts cooked up by the local food champions at PACES on Thursday, November 8 at Thatcher Hall on SUNY-Potsdam's campus. We are still talking about last year's desserts, so you won't want to miss it this year!

 

We'll also be serving up our annual Growing Community Award recognizing an organization or individual whose efforts strengthen community food security in the North Country.
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Layin' It On The Table 
GardenShare executive director Aviva Gold has been blogging about food security issues. 
A regionally-based food system where everyone has access to healthy food choices, and that supports our local economy, covers some surprisingly contentious territory. Aviva explores why. 
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