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January 2022 Newsletter

Thank you to those who supported our Fall Appeal!

Thank you for your support!

Thanks to your generosity, we have more than met our fall 2021 fundraising goals, and could not be more grateful to our community. On Giving Tuesday, you responded to calls from our youth, exceeding our ambitious $10,000 goal and raising $12,449 in 24 hours! Whether you read an email, shared a social media post, or spoke to a youth leader on the phone, we want to say thanks to all who supported us.

We are honored to continue to serve Springfield as we look to 2022 and continue to support youth leadership, food access, and racial justice in Mason Square and beyond.

Updates from Walnut Street

GTC youth return this week from their winter break to participate in our winter leadership program. The January curriculum begins with an emphasis on public speaking and experiential storytelling as youth reflect on their goals as individuals and as a part of GTC for 2022. Youth will then begin learning about public health and GTC’s role in the public health landscape of their community.

Sign up for a GTC EATS! farm share this winter

Our GTC EATS! winter farm share is back! Valued at $20/week with subsidies available for seniors and households SNAP/HIP, the share provides local, seasonal, nutrient-dense produce in satisfying quantities. Share items will change throughout the weeks as the seasons shift.

The share is available for 16 weeks from January 12th - April 27th. Share members can sign up at any time with a down payment and pay at pickup or online throughout the season (sign up online by clicking the button below and scrolling down to see available share memberships). Pickups are during open farm store hours on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Remember, these shares can be paid for using SNAP and HIP benefits! Sign up using your SNAP benefits by entering discount code "SNAP" at checkout and use your EBT card to pay in person.

Questions? Contact our farm store manager, Tracey, at tracey.thomas@gardeningthecommunity.org.

This week is SNAP Awareness Week!

SNAP is our country’s most powerful nutrition program, and we know that there are tens of thousands of Massachusetts residents who may be eligible to receive SNAP but are not enrolled. Those who fall into this “SNAP gap” may have heard about SNAP, or food stamps, in some way before, but sometimes encouragement from trusted sources can be the nudge they need to apply or inquire about more information.

You can help us by raising awareness for SNAP, letting people in your life know the benefits, and sharing info on how to apply! Visit GettingSNAP.org to learn more or call 1.800.645.8333 for assistance in 180 languages.

Massachusetts residents can also get free, fresh fruits and vegetables with SNAP benefits!

Our Walnut Street Farm Store was a pilot site for the Healthy Incentives Program, or HIP, an initiative from the Massachusetts state government that reimburses SNAP recipients up to $80 per month if they spend it on fresh fruit and vegetables. No sign up is required, and the money is reimbursed instantly and automatically. Tell others about SNAP and HIP, and help us help our community!

GTC EATS! Farm Share pickups: learn more and sign up

Wednesday, January 19 | Thursday, January 20
Wednesday, January 26 | Thursday, January 27
Wednesday, February 2 | Thursday, February 3
Wednesday, February 9 | Thursday, February 10

All events will be held at 200 Walnut St. Springfield, MA 01105 or virtually.