Meet Jordan Smith, our Clarkson intern this spring!

Name: Jordan Smith

Hometown: Nicholville, NY

Role at GardenShare: Intern working on demystifying the Farm Bill for a social media campaign from February through May, 2018.

Why I do what I do at GardenShare: There’s nothing more fundamental than food. Growing up, I went to a school full of students who relied on assisted lunch programs. I can’t think of a better way to give back to the community than to help promote food security in any way I can.

Most recent accomplishment:

As a student studying business at Clarkson, I am currently working on my honors thesis in Innovation and Entrepreneurship education. I’m very excited to be doing research that changes the way the subject is taught at Clarkson.

Last read? The last full book I’ve read is Feet of Clay by Terry Pratchett. The man was a master of comedy and satire, and every book of his is better than the last.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now? A bag of cheese sticks, sugar free jello, two gallons of water and some Italian ices.

Hobbies:

I’ve gotten into painting miniatures. I can only see flaws when looking at my old work, but I’ve been told that’s a sign of growing talent!

If you were a superhero, what would your power be? Omnipotence.

An introduction to Freddy Short, one of our SLU interns

Name:  Freddy Short

Hometown: Kempton, PA

Role at GardenShare: Community Based Learning Student

How long? Spring 2018 (January-May)

Why I do what I do at GardenShare: Growing up in a very rural part of Pennsylvania, I have always been surrounded by farms. Because of this almost everyone in and around my neighborhood has access to healthy and affordable food. After arriving at St.Lawrence University two years ago I could tell that this was not the case for St. Lawrence County. After realizing how rocky the soil is and how few months farmers have to grow their crops in the North Country it began to make sense why there was a lack of affordable nutritious food. Being a strong believer in the importance of a healthy diet I began to look into how the people of St. Lawrence County got their food and how the farms were managing to stay in business. This is when a teacher of mine pointed me to GardenShare. During my semester with GardenShare I have been trying to find answers to these questions to provide solutions that will help everyone have access to healthy food!

Role outside of GardenShare: I am a sophomore at St. Lawrence University majoring in Business in the Liberal Arts and Economics. On campus I am involved with the Disability Advocacy Group and Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. 

Hobbies: Hiking, Skiing, Fishing and Hunting.

Most recent accomplishment: Deans Incentive Scholarship Award (2016)

Favorite book: Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Last read? Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

What one word would you use to describe yourself? Active

What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the fact that I am a student at St. Lawrence University.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Half of my salad from dinner last night and a pizza from last weekend.

The Farm Bill is a broad bill that addresses everything from seed to plate, while also fighting the inequality that accompanies every step of that process. The Farm Bill helps farmers receive the resources and support they need to produce healthy food, helps connect consumers to this healthy food, and helps protect our environment as well! Watch the video to learn more!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHGad3uzV0c&feature=youtu.be

Get to know our intern Ella Nielsen from St. Lawrence University

Name:  Ella Nielsen

Town of residence: Wenham, MA

Role at GardenShare: Intern for the Mobile Famers Market Feasibility Study

How long? Spring 2018 (January-May)

Why I do what I do at GardenShare: Being a Community Mentor through the Community Based Learning (CBL) Program at St. Lawrence University has lead me to establish positive professional relationships in the North Country. Getting out of the SLU bubble and interacting with the community in Canton and its’ surrounding areas has given me such a deep knowledge and understanding of the real world. Hunger and malnutrition is something nobody should experience, and I want to strive to alleviate this issue in the North Country by interning at GardenShare. For my internship specifically, I will be acknowledging the food deserts in the area and research mobile farmers markets in other rural locations to identify challenges they faced, and the financial viability. I will be conducting farmer, potential host site, and potential customer research via surveys, focus groups, and one on one meetings. I am excited for this semester at GardenShare and look forward to learning and exploring more of the North Country!

Role outside of GardenShare: I am a junior at St. Lawrence University majoring in Environmental Studies and Economics and minoring in Statistics. I am a part of the CBL Program, Tri Delta Sorority, and Environmental Action Organization. Last summer I was a program administration intern at Appalachian Mountain Club’s Youth Opportunities Program at their headquarters in Boston, MA.

Hobbies: Yoga, meditating, cross country skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks (15/46 and counting!), and going out of my comfort zone as much as I can!

Most recent accomplishment: Spring 2017 Community Mentor Special Recognition Award

Favorite book?: Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

Last read? Unbowed: A Memoir by Wangari Maathai

What one word would you use to describe yourself? Optimistic

What are you most proud of? Recently going abroad to Kenya this past Fall, I was able to meet the most amazing people through my program and homestays who have had such an everlasting impact on my life.

What would I find in your refrigerator right now? Celery, peanut butter, chocolate covered almonds, red pepper hummus, and pretzels!  

NEW SNAP APPLICATION HELPS SENIORS

More than a year after Pennsylvanian rolled out a simplified SNAP application process for senior citizens, more than 350,000 elders have used the new tool. The Department of Human Services introduced the easier application in June 2016, changing from a 24-page form that covered multiple assistance programs to a two-page application. The streamlined enrollment is available to people age 60 or older who doesn't…. have earned income from employment. Individuals using this simplified application have to renew their application every three years, rather than annually as others must do. Because many seniors have income from Social Security, rather than a job, their income is more stable than someone whose wages, hours, and income might more frequently change.

Between June 2016, when the simplified application was introduced, and June 2017, the state saw a decrease of 1.1% in its total food stamp enrollment, but only a 0.36% decline in adults over age 60.

Source: MSN, 11/13/17, SNAP App for Seniors

Giving Tuesday

#GivingTuesday is a global giving movement that has been built by individuals, families, organizations, businesses and communities in all 50 states and in countries around the world. This year, #GivingTuesday falls on November 28. #GivingTuesday harnesses the collective power of a unique blend of partners
to transform how people think about, talk about, and participate in the giving season. It inspires people to take collective action to improve their communities, give back in better, smarter ways to the charities and causes they believe in, and help create a better world. #GivingTuesday demonstrates how every act of generosity counts, and that they mean even more when we give together. 

Shop for everyone on your gift list this holiday at http://smile.amazon.com/ch/16-1607595 and Amazon donates to Gardenshare Inc. #YouShopAmazonDonates

Cyber Monday

It's Cyber Monday.

While you're shopping for the best deals on line, we hope you'll keep in mind your favorite local charities and consider making a donation to them tomorrow, on Giving Tuesday, or anytime this holiday season.

Shop for everyone on your gift list this holiday at http://smile.amazon.com/ch/16-1607595 and Amazon donates to Gardenshare Inc. #YouShopAmazonDonates