A Word from GardenShare’s Executive Director – CArlene Doane

I am excited to be part of GardenShare’s 30th anniversary celebration. Looking through the history – programs, events, activities, dinners, conferences, long time partnerships and so much more to bring the community together, we also look ahead to the future of the organization. Over the years, GardenShare has stayed true to its grassroots beginnings and kept our focus on what matters most to us – feeding our community and supporting farmers. We are a small but mighty organization which allows us to evolve with the times and the needs around us. In 2027, we are launching a new strategic plan that will help us to rise to the changing landscape and growing needs in St Lawrence County. This plan will help us to hone our activities, give clear direction, and to make clear to potential funders what matters to GardenShare. I encourage you to read it so you can join with us as we continue to work towards a community where there are Healthy Foods, Healthy Farms, and Everybody Eats.

Strengthen Community Relations

Connect and build collaboration within the
local food community.

– Sustain existing partnerships and relationships
– Cultivate potential relationships
– Nourish the natural world & environment
– Commit to the local food community

Promote Access to Local Food

Promote access to the local food economy.

– Provide Farmers Market services
– Share Local Food economy impact
– Educate about incentive programs
– Foster Local Food opportunities

Build Organizational Resilience

Ensure GardenShare’s internal capacity is sustainable and adaptive in a changing landscape.

– Strengthen infrastructure & fiscal integrity
– Advance Board and staff development
– Stabilize and expand diverse funding sources
– Invest in staff retention

Empower & Develop Awareness through Education

Provide resources about the local food system.

– Expand learning opportunities
– Champion and promote GardenShare as a referral hub for local food information
– Elevate resource sharing
– Increase our reach to consumers, farmers, funders/donors, partners, and youth

Are you ready to support GardenShare as we move into the next 30 years of working
to end food insecurity in St. Lawrence County?

Learn More Here