Daniel Martin, who with his family will be honored with GardenShare’s Growing Community Award, is committed to growing food free of chemicals and manufactured fertilizers. Daniel credits his father's influence for his dedication to using organic methods of growing food.

CANTON -- This year GardenShare's annual social for friends and supporters will take place Saturday, Jan. 17, from 2 to 4 p.m. at The TAUNY Center, 53 Main St.

GardenShare board and staff will introduce their new executive director Gloria McAdam and present the 2014 Growing Community Award to the Daniel and Mendy Martin Family. The board will serve chili and cornbread as well.

Daniel and Mendy own Martin's Needham Road Market on US Highway 11B outside of Potsdam.

“They have been an influential part of the local food movement since 1998 when they started a U-pick strawberry operation at Southville Corners,” GardenShare officials said.

The farm stand has grown exponentially since then; with other small farmers they produced and sold between 60 and 70 tons of food in 2012, representative said.

The Needham Road Market offers chemical free, organically grown vegetables at the stand and through an innovative on-line market. They are one of the first farm stands to accept payment through EBT SNAP benefits and they have a small-scale wholesale operation that provides produce to local retail outlets.

“The Martin family consistently supports organizations that work toward food security issues in the North Country by donating produce to community meals, food pantries, and neighborhood centers, and they often welcome gleaners in their fields,” GardenShare spokespersons said.

To learn more about GardenShare and the Growing Community Award, visit www.gradenshare.org.