GardenShare’s programs are connecting local people in need with locally grown food. We are making a difference by assisting low-income families in purchasing CSA shares as well as making it possible for SNAP recipients to shop at local farmers markets.
“We love the program, it's the only way we could do a CSA. As long as it's offered,
we'll stick with it. Grocery store fresh produce is outrageous!”
Rebecca, CSA Bonus Bucks participant, Potsdam
In addition to those direct services to low-income families, GardenShare has an active, volunteer-driven outreach and education program to let people know about hunger in the North Country and how they can help. Our recent North Country Food Day Youth Summit was a great success, bringing almost 100 participants from 12 area schools together to learn about food, hunger, and agriculture issues.
This kind of education and outreach is important. A mission like GardenShare's, "to solve the problem of hunger," will only be accomplished byengaging everyone in the community in a variety of ways.
Hunger is a complex problem that will require a variety of strategies to find a solution. Building bigger food pantries or opening more free will dinners won't solve the problem. As a community, we need to find multiple plans of attack for this problem.
Providing people with food in times of crisis is important, but to solve the problem, we have to look bigger - at policies and systems. To find solutions, we need to engage government programs, local nonprofits, faith communities, businesses, farmers, and yes, the people who are struggling to put food on the table.
Doing this work requires a broad range of support - volunteers and donations of funds, goods, and services. Will you consider how you can support GardenShare?
Go to http://gardenshare.org/donate to make a gift today. Or mail your gift to GardenShare, PO Box 516, Canton, NY 13617.
Got someone who is hard to shop for? Consider a gift in that person's honor this holiday season. Send us their name and address with the gift and we will let them know of your thoughtfulness.
Thank you, in advance, for considering a gift. Please visit us online at www.gardenshare.org or on our Facebook page to keep up with our work.
