The 2021 season of Share the Spare will begin Saturday June 5th at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. Photo: Lynn Brammer, Project Leader
In 2010 the NRVMGers initiated a program at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. A master gardener booth was set up to encourage those shopping the market to consider purchasing an extra item (or two) of produce to donate to our booth’s basket. It was an experiment to see how we could support and supplement our food pantries with locally grown fresh produce.
Through the generosity of our community, we have proven we can do big things when we work together towards a common goal. Literally tons of produce have been put on the plates and tables of our local friends and neighbors in the 10 years of Share the Spare.
In addition to engaging with the market goers about our mission of produce collection, we also get a chance to share our passion for successful, sustainable growing. With encouragement from the market manager, we take advantage of the opportunity to function as a Plant Clinic as well. Our table is full of soil test kits, planting charts, seeds to share and resource information.
During last seasons hiatus the New River Valley Glean Team stepped up and served in our place. Discussions with their leaders led us to offer an invitation to collaborate with the NRVMG in the upcoming season. The glean team secures garden sites in the area in order to plant produce for harvesting, strictly for the purpose of donated to those in the underserved areas of our community.
We are looking forward to another successful season at the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market and hope you will join us – Sharing Your Spare!