KEESEVILLE — During a time of increased cost of living and economic uncertainties for many North Country families, AdkAction nearly doubles its Fair Share Community Supported Agriculture Program, expanding its farm network, geographic reach and impact.
What began as a small pilot in 2021 has become a region-wide effort connecting nearly 1,000 lower-income Adirondack residents with fresh, locally grown food.
This year, 250 subsidized CSA shares will be distributed across 11 counties in partnership with 17 small farms, up from six farms and 154 shares last season. More than one-third of this year’s shares are going to households with children younger than age 5.
“Fair Share is all about making sure that nutritious, local food is accessible to everyone no matter where you live or how much you earn — while simultaneously supporting our region’s small farms,” Sawyer Bailey, executive director of AdkAction, said. “This expansion is a testament to what’s possible when we invest in our community and our food system.”
New partnerships are helping extend the program’s impact into St. Lawrence, Franklin, Warren, Fulton, Montgomery, Saratoga and Washington counties. In addition to continued collaboration with farms such as Wild Work Farm (Keene), North Country Community Farm (Plattsburgh) and Juniper Hill Farm (Wadhams), Fair Share now includes newcomers such as Meadow Farmstead (Ausable Forks), Owl Wood Farm (Salem), Lovin’ Mama Farm (Amsterdam) and Pitney Meadows Community Farm (Saratoga Springs).
Partner organizations including LivingADK in Old Forge and GardenShare in St. Lawrence County identified farms and families to expand the program in the Western Adirondacks.
A cornerstone of this expansion is strengthened collaboration with WIC (Women, Infants and Children) programs, which help identify families most in need.
As part of this partnership, some participants are enrolled in a WIC program that invites families to visit farms and hand-pick their weekly CSA shares, creating a more personal and empowering experience.
“The Fair Share Program is more than just access to fresh, local fruits and vegetables — it’s a gateway to healthier families, stronger communities and lasting habits,” Krista Berger, Essex County WIC coordinator, said. “By connecting families to farms, children learn where their food comes from, build respect for the land, and develop lifelong appreciation for healthy eating. It’s a win for families, a win for farmers, and a beautiful reminder that when we nourish each other, we all grow.”
Another new piece of the Fair Share program this summer is Nourishing North Country Families, a partnership between Lake Clear Lodge/Nature Connects, Whitten Family Farm and the ADK Food Hub.
This AdkAction initiative pairs curated CSA food boxes with 10 weeks of virtual cooking classes led by Chef Cathy Hohmeyer for 30 WIC families.
All recipes feature the ingredients included in the corresponding week’s box. The program builds cooking confidence while encouraging healthy, seasonal eating using locally sourced ingredients. All are invited to watch the cooking videos on YouTube.
For more information about the Fair Share program, including how to support it, visit www.adkaction.org/fairshare.