It's Time to Take Action! |
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These past few months, issues of food security have been at the forefront of many of our minds. From changes in the way we shop at grocery stores and an increased interest in home gardens and Community Supported Agriculture, to the rise of bulk food distribution programs and Pandemic-EBT and even the emptied bread aisles and item limits back in the spring, you have likely spent a good part of this year thinking about food and our food systems.
As a GardenShare supporter, you may have already been interested in these topics!
If you’ve always been interested in food justice and how to make a difference but weren’t sure where to start, you’re in luck!
September is Hunger Action Month and we’ve put together a daily activity calendar that you can use as an introduction to food justice! Follow along on social media and share your thoughts as we progress through the month.
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Another way to take action this month is by participating in our virtual Fight Hunger Your Way event from September 25-27. While COVID-19 is preventing large in-person gatherings, we're looking at this as an opportunity to make our event even more accessible and engaging!
Over the weekend of September 25 to 27 everyone is invited to help raise money for GardenShare's food justice efforts while engaging in your favorite form of physical activity, wherever you'd
like.
We know what you're thinking...
I am NOT a runner, can I still participate? Don’t sweat it! You don’t have to run - you can do VIRTUALLY anything!! Walk, paddle, ride, swim, yes - even garden! We want everyone to be included! Just be ACTIVE! The event is to recognize Hunger ACTION Month!
Where can I do it? Anywhere! Outside, inside, on a trail, on your treadmill, in your pool...just please be safe while doing it ….and register so we know you’re taking action with us! Not in St. Lawrence County? No problem! In fact, we’ll give a special social media shoutout to the participant joining from farthest away!
This sounds so fun! Am I actually making a difference? Yes! Your registration fee goes directly to GardenShare and provides valuable funding for our programs that benefit St. Lawrence County residents.
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Special thank you to the following businesses for their support for the event and our work: Community Bank, Cookland Farm, Frazer Computing, Hyde Stone Mechanical Contractors, J.C. Merriman's Inc., S&L Electric Inc., SeaComm, St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union, St. Lawrence Health System, and Stauffer Farms.
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Name: Céline Carrière
Hometown and Current town of residence: Russell, Ontario (Canada)... Now living in Potsdam!
Role at GardenShare: Management Consultant
How long? Started August 31, 2020
Why I do what I do (at GardenShare): I love having a career that serves my community. Food security is vital for our wellbeing, and I am eager to contribute to a healthy and vibrant food system that is accessible to all in St-Lawrence County.
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Hobbies: Hiking, Board Games, Reading, Gardening, Spending time with family and friends
Last read? Fifteen Dogs by André Alexis
What one word would you use to describe yourself? Tall!
Share something about yourself that few people know. My first job was as a witch on a haunted wagon ride in an apple orchard (indeed, I've dedicated my career to bettering my community because of the time I spent professionally making children cry...)
What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Leftover Dal (Lentil Soup), yogurt and lots of fresh veggies! Zucchini...so many zucchinis!
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Volunteer at the Farmers Markets |
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Do you like local food and supporting local farmers and crafters? We’re quickly approaching the height of harvest season and we need YOUR help at the farmers market.
Our farmers market volunteers help us run a variety of token programs that help make fresh, local food affordable and accessible. Not only does it benefit customers but it's a big benefit to the vendors and our communities too!
Email [email protected] if you're interested in becoming a volunteer and would like to be trained!
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Lizzy Parson, Canton Market Manager, and a volunteer at the Market Manager's Table. |
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National Farmers Market Week Recap |
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Thank you for helping us put on a successful produce drive for Give Back NY and National Farmers Market Week!
During the first week of August, we were able to donate over 100 lbs of fresh, local produce to three local organizations: The Campus Kitchen at St. Lawrence and the Potsdam and Gouverneur Neighborhood Centers. The Hammond farmers market and shoppers even collected some nonperishable donations for the Hammond Food Pantry!
This was great way to make sure local individuals and families had access to fresh produce and, by buying directly from farmers, it was a great way to support the local food local system and share the bounty of St. Lawrence County.
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Jenn McAvoy, Potsdam Market Manager (right), and Crystal Hayes, Potsdam Neighborhood Center Director (left), pose with donations at the Potsdam farmers market. |
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If you or your family is in need of food assistance, we have a list of local organizations and additional food assistance information on our website.
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In National Food News: USDA Extends Waivers for School Meal Operation |
The USDA announced on on Monday that they will be extending waiver programs that will allow the continued operation of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and Seamless Summer Option through December 31, 2020.
According to Hunger Solutions NY, "the waivers allow schools and other SFSP sponsors to continue serving free meals to all children, facilitating safe, equitable, and efficient meal distribution during the start of the 2020-2021 school year.”
Stay tuned for information on how this will affect St. Lawrence County schools.
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