April 2020
Introducing GardenShare's New Website!

We are thrilled to announce that GardenShare’s new website is officially up and running! Check it out at www.gardenshare.org . It may look a little - okay, a lot - different but it has all the same great content you’ve come to expect from us. And more!
The new site features beautiful, professional photographs of local producers and an interactive local foods map, thanks to a collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County’s Farm-to-Table Initiative. You can search the interactive map by farm name, type of farm, location, and products. 

The map also includes retail locations and restaurants that feature local food, free community meals, food pantries, and more!

Getting this project pulled together and off the ground took many amazing people putting in a lot of work. While we have tried hardest to make this website the best it can be, there is always room for improvement. If you have any feedback on the site, don't hesitate to reach out and let us know.

The new site will give us increased capacity to provide up-to-date information and resources related to local food and food justice. We are currently maintaining a list of COVID-19 resources that may be helpful for local producers as well as those in search of food information.
Supporting Local Producers and Eating Local
During COVID-19
Although we are living in uncertain times, one thing that remains true: local producers are still here, doing what they can for the local food system and preparing for the growing season. Although there is not a ton of fresh local produce to be found this time of year in St. Lawrence County, here are a few things you can do to support farmers and stay healthy. 

1) Continue supporting local stores and restaurants, especially those that feature local food

  • Many St. Lawrence County restaurants and food stores have transitioned to take out and curbside delivery making them a great way to support local producers and the local economy while avoiding crowded grocery stores.

  • Check out a full list of restaurants with to-go options here and a list of local food stores here (just be sure to call ahead to verify schedules).  
Pat and April's Pork. Im age courtesy of the Farm-to-Table Initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.
2) Take advantage of direct-to-consumer sales

  • Some producers already offer online purchasing options. In the time of social distancing, supporting local producers AND avoiding the grocery store is a win-win. This time of year, you should be able to find meat, eggs, and maple products, at least! Reach out to your local farmer to see if they've added any direct-to-consumer options and, as always, remember to follow safe distancing practices.

  • Keep watching here for updates regarding farmers markets. We are working closely with the Farmers Market Federation of NY to ensure our markets are prepared to handle any new COVID-19 guidelines.
Never Tire Farm. I mage courtesy of t he Farm-to-Table Initiative led by Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County.
3) Sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share 

  • Many farms in St. Lawrence County offer CSAs that are available for purchase now for the summer and fall seasons. Explore options and models on the farms’ websites/Facebook pages or call for more information to find one that works for you. They’re often incredibly cost effective - many work out to less than $20/week for a LOT of fresh food.

4) Prepare your gardens 

Bonus Bucks Application is Still Open
We’re still accepting Bonus Bucks applications for the 2020/2021 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 five St. Lawrence County farmers markets: Canton, Potsdam, Massena, Gouverneur, and Hammond.  

Learn about the program, check your eligibility, and download the application here.

Are you already a shopper at the farmers markets or a CSA shareholder? Looking for ways to help your neighbors get through this trying time? Consider donating to the program to help spread the joys of fresh, local food.

Although many funds donated to GardeShare already go to the Bonus Bucks Program, to indicate you would like your donation to go specifically to the program, simply write “For Bonus Bucks” in the “add special instructions to GardenShare” section on Paypal or as the memo for check donations.
Food Assistance During COVID-19
One of the most impressive things about this county is how we come together in the face of uncertainty and struggle to help our neighbors; and there are a lot of neighbors who need help right now. Many food pantries, backpack programs, and free community meals are doing everything they can to adapt to changing regulations and demand. 

In addition to our list of COVID-19 resources, the NOEP Coordinator of St. Lawrence County at Massena Independent Living Choices (MILC) is also available to assist with new SNAP applications. Contact them at (315) 764-9442 x405.