Local organizations receive FreshConnect grants | Home & Garden

Governor Cuomo announced Thursday FreshConnect grants to 34 projects around the state that will help increase access to New York farm products for residents in low-income and underserved areas.

"This is really a win-win situation for farmers and for families across the state as we try to provide more access and easier access to locally grown, fresh farm products," said Governor Cuomo in a statement. "These FreshConnect grants will support creative solutions to get New York farm products to underserved areas of the state, creating new economic opportunities for our farmers while, at the same time, providing healthy options for more New Yorkers."

Below are local grant recipients:

NORTH COUNTRY:

Gardenshare, Inc., Canton................................................................................................... $9,500
A project that aims to double the amount of Food Stamp dollars spent at the Canton and Potsdam Farmers' Markets by providing a financial incentive of five EBT/Food Stamp tokens for every ten Food Stamp dollars spent and a $20 incentive for Food Stamp customers who attend more than three markets.

CAPITAL REGION:

Capital District Coop, Menands........................................................................................ $10,000
Free transportation service will be provided on Saturday mornings for seniors and low-income families to bring them to the 75 year old farmers’ market in Menands that is typically seen as out of way and held when there is a shortage of public transportation.

Cooperative Community Food Compact, Inc., Nassau................................................... $10,000
The Nassau Compact is a food coop in rural Rensselaer County that offers free scholarships to low-income individuals and accepts Food Stamps. A unique way for local farmers to sell their products, which coop members order on-line and pick up at the weekly market at a local church.

Schenectady Greenmarket................................................................................................... $6,926
A new satellite market of the Schenectady Greenmarket will open in Bellevue as a result of a community survey calling for one. The market will take place at a church located in a food desert of the city and on the main route with ample parking.