Growing Community Award 2012
 Free will meals are always looking for additional volunteers. |
This year GardenShare's Growing Community Award goes to Carlton Doane, recognizing the Canton Free Will Dinner program, as well as all the community meals that have been inspired by it.
Each year GardenShare recognizes an individual or
organization whose efforts strengthen food security
in our community. Past recipients include North Country Public Radio, North Country Grown Cooperative, the UShare program of Canton's Unitarian Universalist Church, and Katherine Lang.
Mr. Doane spearheaded the Free Will Dinners as his "retirement" project in 1999 because he wanted to feed hungry people. Three Wednesdays a month for the past 13 years, there has been a community supper at Canton's United Methodist Church. And the more than 50,000 meals he has served have spawned a movement.
These meals provide many essential functions. The free will meals are prepared by committed community volunteers, with food donated by many local businesses, community gardens, individuals, institutions and more. They are not income-eligible, so anyone can attend. They're for folks who need a meal, yes, but they are also for folks who could use some company, and who want to be a part of something. This is a project that brings together people from all walks of life to share a meal around the same table.
Campus Kitchens, a national campaign, is also represented in our community. SLU students serve dinner every Monday evening at the UU Church in Canton, joining hundreds of other students across the country who understand the power of a shared meal. Across the North Country, in all kinds of gathering places, organizations are coming together to provide meals and shared experience.
Join us at the Harvest Social on Thursday, November 8 from 7 - 8:30pm at Thatcher Hall on the SUNY-Potsdam campus to celebrate our community!
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Local Options for SEFA Include GardenShare!
GardenShare is now part of the State Employees Federated Appeal, so 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 overwhelming. One thing to consider is the powerful impact your contribution can have when you keep it local. Read more here.
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GardenShare Receives USDA FMPP Grant
The Farmers Market Promotion Program grant will help us better promote direct market farmers throughout the county for the next two years. Read more here.
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 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!
Congratulations Jeffra, Agnes and Noah!
GardenShare had a great time at Ogdensburg's Wine, Beer and Food Festival the weekend of August 11. We talked to hundreds of people about building a community-based food system in the North Country. Congratulations to the Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce for putting on a great event. Our raffled books went to Jeffra Montroy and Agnes Ferguson of Ogdensburg, and Noah Wilson of Potsdam.
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Share-A-Share for Bonus Bucks
It's never too early to start thinking about the holidays. If you have folks on your list who prefer a gift that benefits the community, consider a Share-a-Share donation in their name.
Share-a-Share donations fund GardenShare's CSA Bonus Bucks program which helps make CSA affordable for people with limited incomes. You can donate online, but be sure to email us as well, so we can send the appropriate card to your Share-a-Share recipient. Please don't hesitate to ask if you have questions. Email aviva@gardenshare.org.
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