“I volunteer for GardenShare because I believe that good food… and access to it… is at the core of so much that is important in the lives of individuals, communities, and ecosystems. GardenShare is important because we endeavor to build community, promote small and sustainable efforts, and also because I love to eat good food and want to share that joy with others.”

Margaret Harloe, Volunteer and Outreach & Education Committee Chair 

Do you have some time to support the work of GardenShare? Here’s how you can help:

Farmers Markets

GardenShare is always looking for volunteers in all of our locations – Massena, Canton, Potsdam, Gouverneur, Hammond. If you are interested, please contact us and let us know where you’d like to volunteer. We will provide orientation and training and the Market Managers will provide ongoing support throughout the season.

  • Farmers Market Manager Assistant – As a Farmers Market Manager Assistant, you will be available to customers to answer questions, provide information about the Market and GardenShare. You will also process electronic transactions (SNAP/EBT, Debit, and Credit Cards).
  • Farmers Market Champion – As a Farmers Market Champion, you will help spread the word about Market events and activities.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (“SNAP”) Outreach Educator– GardenShare is looking for people to promote awareness of the use of SNAP benefits at St. Lawrence County Farmers Markets. As a SNAP Outreach Educator, you will share materials and resources to engage and educate people while helping them feel comfortable in the Farmers Market environment.

Community Meal Programs

Free Will Dinner: The United Methodist Church in Canton relies on volunteers to provide a fellowship opportunity for community members while they share a free, hot meal. The meal takes place on Wednesday evenings from 4:30 to 6 pm at the United Methodist Church at 41 Court Street in Canton. Activities include serving hot and cold beverages, clearing tables, and enjoying a meal with the community.

Campus Kitchens Project: St. Lawrence University students provide a vitally important service that the community depends on for shared meals and fellowship. Through the Campus Kitchens project, food that would otherwise be wasted from campus dining halls and local farms is turned into delicious, nutritionally balanced, three-course meals. The meal takes place on Monday evenings from 4 to 6 pm at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 3 1/2 East Main Street in Canton. Activities include food prep, food service, and clean-up.

Committees

Outreach and Education Committee: The Outreach & Education (O&E) Committee works to educate the community about issues surrounding hunger and local food/agriculture. Activities include attending events such as festivals, fairs, and other public events, as well as those organized by GardenShare. Opportunities include, but are not limited to, tabling at local venues, event planning, and spreading the word about GardenShare’s efforts. The O&E Committee meets on the first Tuesday evening of the month.

Development Committee: The Development Committee oversees and assists with GardenShare’s fundraising efforts, including Trivia Night, the Annual Dinner and Auction, and the Fight Hunger 5K. In addition to those events, efforts include direct mail and grant writing and management advice and support.

Silent Auction Committee: The Silent Auction is part of the Annual Dinner, and this committee is actually a subcommittee of the Development Committee. Activities include soliciting auction donations and organizing, setting up, and running the silent auction.

Local Food Guide

GardenShare produces an annual print guide to help the community find local food:  farmers, farmstands, farmers markets, u-picks, CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) farms, restaurants. As a volunteer, you will assist with verifying the content to be included in the guide; assistance is also needed with distribution.

Mailing Team

As a Mailing Team member, you are on call to join us as we fold, stuff, and label bulk mailings. This is more fun than it sounds, as you get to socialize around the table with a great group of people! These “Mailing Parties” happen several times a year and GardenShare will reach out to invite you in advance.

Office Help

No regular schedule, but be on call for help with projects as needed.

Intern

GardenShare works with the area universities to offer meaningful internship opportunities during the academic year and over the summer. Discuss the options with your advisor or your school’s community-based learning office. Or contact us to talk about the possibilities.

Want to join the GardenShare volunteer team?  Contact the GardenShare office (315.261.8054) to request an interest form or fill out an online application here.

This short video describes how you can use your skills to help solve hunger.