Our Timeline
2019-2022
GardenShare hosted its first virtual fundraiser in 2020, keeping community support for local food going during COVID. A new strategic plan focused on Food Justice, Access to local food, Stronger food systems, and Organizational resilience. Carlene Doane became the Executive Director in 2022 and helped to continue building GardenShare’s mainstay programs: the Local Food Guide, Bonus Bucks, Farmers Market management services, and community education.
2023
A permanent year round position was created for managing Farmers Markets along with creating marketing campaigns, streamlining application processes, and establishing protocols for adhering to regulations set by governing bodies. GardenShare was awarded the Farmers Market Resiliency Grant as well as the Farmers Market Promotion Program Grant.
2024-2025
The GardenShare website overhaul was completed, making it an online hub for information about farmers markets as well as vendors, retail and restaurant locations, and food access programs throughout the county. GardenShare received grant funding from the St Lawrence County Youth Bureau to continue educating middle and high school students about the benefits of local food. When federal funding freezes created issues for SNAP recipients, a community member partnered with GardenShare for a food drive that produced over $10,000 that was donated to local food pantries as well as hundreds of pounds of nonperishable foods.
2026
As GardenShare celebrates 30 years of working for expanded food access, the Board of Directors and staff are looking forward to several events to bring our community together and continue to raise funds for the next 30 years. A Farm Gala in June will be a grand celebration of our local food community. In September, the Fall Harvest Celebration will be a time to thank past Growing Community Award winners. The Orchard Adventure Fair will return and be expanded to a full day of fun at Applewood Orchard.