Capital Roots Annual Report 2015

594 River Street, Troy, NY 12180 Phone: 518-274-8685 | Fax: 518-272-2744 www.capitalroots.org | info@capitalroots.org

Board, Staff & Volunteers Board of Directors Kim Hickok, President John Carl, Executive Vice-President Raymond Smith, Vice-President Cynthia Nixon, Treasurer Jean Gerbini, Secretary Ann Pfau and Deborah Bennett, At-Large Michael Whiteman, Immediate Past President ---

Kathy Beam Sharon Bedford Assie Bishop Mark Bryant Emily Cote Barbara Featherstonhaugh Ellen Flink

William Karchner David Krupski Eileen McCarthy Tom McGuire Wendy Meola Hannelore Passonno Rachel Hye Youn Rupright Kimberly Sanger Jones

Staff Members Amy Klein, Executive Director Danielle Marino, Garden Organizer Sharon DiLorenzo, Program Manager Marissa Peck, Food Assessment Coordinator Will Malcolm, Food Access Program Manager Tara Quackenbush, Community Gardens Program Manager Matthew Schueler, Grow Center Planner Wanda Rivera, Programs Assistant Jessica Trowbridge, Operations Manager Hannah Rosen, Healthy Stores Organizer --Abby Schumacher-Benoit, Events Coordinator Elizabeth Boyer, Food Hub Coordinator Amy Scott, Bookkeeper Audrey Bridge, Administrative Assistant Mari Shopsis, Development Coordinator Liz Burrichter, Squash Hunger/Outreach Coordinator Joel Stewart, Delivery Specialist Julia Cosgrove, Produce Project Farm Manager Emmett Stoffer, Mobile Market Assistant Katie Doyle, Educator James Surano, Mobile Market Assistant Brooklyn Esposito, Volunteer Coordinator Conor Vallee, Mobile Market Assistant Brent Irving, Healthy Communities Coordinator Kelsey Whalen, Mobile Market Coordinator Peter Jenkins, Produce Project Educator Rebecca Whalen, Communications and Development Manager

Volunteer Devotees Individuals Jaclyn Adler Shawn Allan Tim Bell Jennifer Bentsworth Bernardo Bigalli Jim Boswell Jeff Burrows Charles Buchanan Doug Burns Dorothy Cadet Jonathan Cassidy Laura Clapper Emma Cohen Seth Cohen Suzanne Conroy Kevin Cornils Nick Crounse Donna Dorsey Ann Dusza Tommi Evans

Priscilla Fairbank Olivia Fuller Olivia Gagliardi Carolyn George Eugiene Gleason Petra Hahn Emma Hearst Alane Hohenberg Chris Howard Jane Husson Rob Kietlinski Audrey Koester Krysia Kornecki Kimberly Kuster-Smith Anthony Lambrecht Eileen Lang Kersten Lorcher Ronda Lyons Mary Helena Mann Beth Manning Pauline Kamen Miller

1 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Alex Monticello Sonya Mulvihill Anne Nardacci Christine Nealon Rachel O’Reilly Jason Packer Hillary Papineau Bob Parsons Ralph F. Passonno Jr. Linda Passaretti Susan Poisson-Dollar Melanie Psota Mimsy Pye Dave Rhodes Diane Rivers Nancy Ross Lisa Roth Mark Rubenstein James Russell Kay Schlembach Perry Smith

Howard Stoner Katie Tiedemann Susan Troll Jamie Vaughn Dorsey Whitehead Grazia Yaeger Groups ARC of Rensselaer County ARC of Schenectady County Center for Disability Services Central Michigan University Living Resources Siena College Bonners Wildwood

David LaVoie Barbara Lawrence Dean and Liz Leith Megan Leitzinger John and Peggy Leon Susanna and Michael Lia Gary Lind and Ellen Kelly-Lind Thomas and Sandra Linendoll Donald Lipkin and Mary Bowen Karen Lipson and Alan Goldberg Meika Loe and Matt Alinger Kersten Lorcher and Sylvie Browne Katharine L. Lowe Thomas Mackey Jessica and Sean Mahar April Margarella Paul Maxwell Carmella A. Mazzotta Sara McCain Dr. James and Amy McDonnell Nancy McEwan John McFadden Chris McKenna Rance and Linda McKenna Peter and Donna Meixner David Merwitz Edward Miller and Laura Garrison Sandra Misiewicz Chris and Jill Monticello Shawn Morris and John Wellspeak Stephen and Mary Muller John and Pat Mulligan Joseph Murphy William Nechamen Ray Newkirk and Christy D'Ambrosio Tom Nitido and Wendy Saunders Mary Karen and Mike Noonan Jose Montiel Ochoa Noreen Ortiz Pilette Marcus Oselinsky Jason and Lisa Packer Diane Pancoski Margaret Paris Theresa and David Parry Audra and Randy Passonno Wendy Pattison and Bill Schroeder Jane Payne and Janice Stock Richard Peck and Vincent Gallerani Laura and Ken Perrault Michelle Phillips Debra Pigliavento and Don Edmans Kathryn and Joseph Pingelski Elizabeth Pohlmann and Harald Moore Dr. Richard Propp Harry and Elissa Prout Barbara and Peter Pryor Anne Putnam Lisa Queeney Dr. Lori and Don Quigley Judith Ratner Patricia Raup Sandra Ray James and Risa Reed Cheryl Reeves and Martha Schultz Pamela Rehak and Gary Toth Rhonda L. Reisner Timothy C. Reiss Priscilla Richards and Michael Fanning

Florence Richardson Rachel Riemann and Atsushi Akera Marion Roach Smith and Rex Smith Christina F. Roberts Steven and Janice Rocklin Elizabeth Rodriguez and Darren Scott Joan and Raymond Rogers-Harrington Katherine and Hugh Roome Dorcas and Kenneth Rose Mario and Brenda Rosenbaum Jennifer Rosenbaum and David Herman Paul Rosenberg Dominic and Alice Rotondi Thomas Rourke and Dorothy Howey Todd Rupright Colleen Ryan and Eric Hoppel Eve and Spencer Ryan Christina and Daniel Ryan Laury Saligman Elinor and Robert Sanger Katherine Satterlee Peter and Karin Savio James and Joan Savitt Amy Schallop and Lee Greenstein Kay and James Schlembach Nancy Sciocchetti Andrew M. Bailey Casey and Rachel Seiler Sheryl and Rick Seppa Robin and Jim Sevinsky JoAnn Sheikh and Dr. Farhan Sheikh Samantha and JP Shipherd Susan Shipherd and Jim Ferris David Shippee and Ann Volpel Cynthia and Herbert Shultz Kurt Sjoblom Brad and Susan Smi Edward and Kathy Spain Susan Stah-Cooper and Chris Cooper J. Spencer and Pat Standish Punkin Stephens and Lisa Tackley Carlton Stewart Charles and Pamela Stock Deborah and Alan Stock Mary Stock Howard and Margaret Stoner Meredith Streeter Dennis and Margaret Sullivan Ms. C. Andre Sullivan Michele Susko and Fardin Sanai George Tanner and Resa Siegel Tanner Phillip and Martha Teumim Frank and Liz Therrien Patty Thomma John and Valerie Thompson Catherine Townsend Ida Traschen Janet and Ned Trombly Terry and Dan Tyson Christine Urbano James Valentino Leonard and Patricia Valletta Lee Vaughan and Varada Pandya Vaughan Theresa Vaughan and David Cherubin Jamie Vaughn and Ben Larsen Richard and Jenny Vehlow Erica Veil and Peter Fox Pierrette Virkler

Joseph Visalli and Matie Flowers Gail Volk Dr. Richard Wagner Jane Wait Erin and Corey Walsh Beth Walsh and Chris Maier Edward Warren Enid Watsky Jessica Webster Dawn Stuart Weinraub Dorsey M. Whitehead Elizabeth and Wayne Willson Paul Winkeller and Victoria Balkoski Laura Witkowski Lianne and Ted Wladis Karen and John Wolner Darlene Yule Honorable Ken Zalewski and Mike Oliver Audrey Zibelman Lillian Zoda The Adirondack Trust Company AFLAC New York AJS Masonry Ale House Behan Communications Bethlehem Garden Club Brown's Brewing Co. Bryce Funeral Home DeFazio Imports Digital xPress Druthers Brewing Company Excelsior College G.A. Bove & Sons, Inc. Greenbush Tape and Label Groff Networks Hope 7 Community Center Hudson Valley Community College Kal-Harbour, Inc. Latham Medical Group Lori Schindler Realty Machnick Builders, Ltd. Matt's Music Together MKC Kitchen and Bath Modern Press Mountain Top Septic Muddaddy Flats Nine Pin Ciderworks Park Pub Restaurant & Catering Pastel & Rosen LLP Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce The Ruck Sand Lake Garden Club Saratoga Hospital St. Paul's Church in the City of Albany Stanley Paper Sunbelt Graphics Inc. Troy Police Benevolent Association Troy Web Consulting Veterans Business Council Von's Service Station Walter Pratt & Sons, Inc. William Fredette Painting

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 18

donors

Dorothy Y. Szymaszek Micheileen Treadwell Lynette and Michael Tucker Sondra Velie Linda Wason Susan Watson Scott Weiner Honorable Rodney Wiltshire Jr. and Jolene Wiltshire Michael and Cynthia Woellmer Tiffany Zarrella Austin and Company Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. Cargill Christ Church United Methodist CornerStone Telephone Company Delmar Presbyterian Church Delmar Rotary Foundation Inc First United Presbyterian Church Flowers by Pesha Franklin Plaza Full Spectrum Communications Greane Tree Technology Heartspace Yoga Hoosick Valley Contractors Kathleen M. and Thomas C. Dwyer Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Mann Wireless, Ltd. McKesson Foundation Prestone Printing Company Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northeastern New York Scotia Glenville Lions Club St. Peter's Health Partners Van Rensselaer Garden Club Wilton Food Pantry Cultivators ($100 - $249) Barbara Agneta Herm and Linda Ames Thomas and Linda Andersen Eric Anderson and Caroline Lee Gayle Anderson and Sid Fleisher Steven and Nancy Angle Dave and Sue Anthony Les Apple Karen M. Asher Sharon Babala Eileen and Rick Bagnoli Brian and Dena Barker Frank Barrie Donald J. Barron Laura and Paul Bartosik Karen Beck Tim Bell Robert A. Bergman Elmer and Olga Bertsch Marie and James Bettini Drs. Naomi and Jay Bloomfield Kathryn Bohacek Valerie Bok Elizabeth Boyer

Paula Boyer M. Lynn Bradley Ed Brazee and Connie Carter Hon. Neil Breslin Paula and Richard Brewer Janet Britt and John Dojka Sid and Doris Brown Geraldine A. Bunn and Stephen Onderdonk Louise M. Burkhart and Brian K. Ladd Mary Ellen Bussey Daniel Butterworth Honorable Ron Canestrari Nancy Carey Cassidy and Tom Cassidy Tom and Nan Carroll Tom and Claudia Carroll Steven Cass Catherine Cavanaugh Rose Chaney Lynne and Charles Charbonneau Sam and Kellie Chiappone Angelo Christo G. Stephen Christopher John and Joyce Chupka Robert Clancy and Lauren Payne Rae Clark Cathleen Clement Jessie Cogswell Bonnie and Jeff Cohen Seth Cohen and Ellen Tucker-Cohen Janis Cohen Henry C. Collins and Madelyn Collins Kevin Conley Joan Connolly and Sharon Ahl Edward and Susan Connolly Eileen Considine Anne Conway Dr. Edwin J. Cook and Patricia Zalinka-Cook Kirk Cornwell and Claire Pospisil Julia Cosgrove Stephen Cowan and Lucille Marion Leslie Craigue Nancy and Kevin Creagan Lorraine and John D'Aleo Sally Daly Karen D'Ascoli Barbara and Edward Dempsey Dee Dee Diccicco-Craft and Mike Craft Patrick A. DiCerbo Wayne and Carole Diesel Sharon T. DiLorenzo Jennifer Dodge Susan and Alexander d'Oelsnitz Honorable Robert J. Doherty and June Richardson Brian and Toni Doherty Bob Dowd and Maribeth Krupczak Deann Downing and Cathy Fiore Frederick Doyle Bill Dunne and Theresa Setzer Anthony Durante Amy Durland Henry Ehrlich

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Alice Ellett Carl Erickson David and Alice Esmond Joseph Esposito Carolyn Estabrooks Vanessa Etherington and Jeffery DiStefano Evelyn Stern Farbstein James and Barbara Featherstonhaugh Rodger Fink and Laura Paris Todd and Yvette Fitzgerald Dean Forman Dona Frank Lisa Frisch Diane Fuglein and Frank Bode Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher Dr. and Mrs. Gregg Gerety Michelle D. Gerry Veronica Gil Seaver George and Marie Giokas Gary David Gold and Nancy Pierson Marc and Cynthia Goldstein Carlsbury Gonzalez Herb and Shirley Gordon Karen and John Graf David and Marilyn Grimm John P. Hawn Mary Hession Claire and John Higgins Ellen Higgins and Richard Beer Debra A. Hinden Oliver Holecek Ellen and Robert Hotz Fred Houser Antoinette Hueber Lucinda Huggins Fatima Hussain John and Jane Husson Andrea Hyary Richard and Anne Iannello Patty Ide Williams Marc Iorio Ann and Richard Jacobs Mike and Michele Jerison Herb and Linda Jurist Ellen and Saul Kattleman Holly Katz and Bill Harris Diane Kavanaugh Black Keni and Carole Kent Frank Kiely Gordon and Judy Kilby Betsy Kindlon Donald Kitchen Chris Kolbay and Eileen Mahoney Joan and Victor Korenman Abbe and Steve Kovacik Karin Krasevac-Lenz and Douglas Lenz Joan Kuech Bobier Deborah Kulbako-Arnold and Richard Arnold Henry Labarba Sara and Nick Ladopoulos Richard and Rebecca Langer Mary Anne and Robert Lanni Roland and Alayna Lavigne

A Message from the Executive Director Dear Friends, In the beginning of 2015, I confessed to a fellow staff member that sometimes, when walking into the Urban Grow Center to start my day, I had to pinch myself just to make sure it was real. After 10 years of planning, fundraising, construction – and more fundraising – Capital Roots had finally created the space that would allow our programs to grow to their fullest capacity. And did they ever!

Support from donors, farmers, sponsors, and a dedicated corps of volunteers allowed our Squash Hunger program to rescue and deliver more than 80,000 pounds of produce to food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. When we gleaned 10,000+ pounds of apples from Saratoga Apple, they were easily stored in one of our new walk-in coolers – to be distributed to emergency feeding programs in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Saratoga counties.

When we look at the impressive stats for Capital Roots’ food access programs in 2015, we look first to our Capital Campaign donors, whose generosity allowed this growth to occur.

Sales from our 16 Healthy Stores grew 66% in 2015, with more than 43 different kinds of items sold, thanks to our store owner partners, who order culturally appropriate fruits and vegetables for their patrons. This figure includes Capital Roots’ on-site Produce Market, which has found a lively customer base among our neighbors in North Central Troy. Our Virtual Veggie Mobile delivered 75,000 pounds of wholesale priced produce to childcare centers, Head Start programs, and food pantries, allowing 80 organizations that serve low-income families to double the amount of produce they served to their clients. Roughly 49% of the produce Capital Roots sold in 2015 was purchased year-round from local producers – an increase of 20% from 2014. Buying from local producers helps support our regional farm economy and reduces the environmental impact of our food purchases.

Our new location right off 787/Route 7 and on a central bus route allows community gardeners to easily access the free seeds, seedlings, and educational classes we offer them.

In 2015 we marked the opening of our 49th and 50th community gardens – in East Greenbush and on Ida Street in South Troy.

As I look back on the growth that characterized 2015 – and continues into 2016 – the Urban Grow Center no longer feels like an unbelievable dream. It is a realized dream – thanks to our generous donors and the incredible dedication of our staff and board – all of whom contributed to this project. If you have not already seen the Center in action, I hope you’ll stop by for a tour soon, to see what we have already accomplished – and to participate as we begin to envision the impact that Phase II of the Urban Grow Center will have.

With gratitude,

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 2

2015 At a Glance

49,475

residents served by the Veggie Mobile®

350

students in the Taste Good Series

16

Healthy Stores

Veggie Rx participants

65 50 411,000 1

27

Produce Project students

community

gardens

882

community garden plots

pounds of produce distributed through the Food Hub

80,000 pounds of produce donated through Squash Hunger

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Urban Grow Center

32

weekly Veggie Mobile® stops in the Capital Region

Garry and JoAnn Kearns Alexander and Gail Keeler Honorable Noelle Kinsch and Darius Shahinfar Christine Kleinegger Rebekah and Curtis Klope Lynn Kopka Lawrence and Ellen Kotlow Linda and Matthew London Beth Manning Gordon and Linda Mappes Eileen and Mark McCarthy Barbara and John McDonald Assemblyman John T. McDonald III and Renee McDonald Don and Elizabeth Ann McLaughlin Wendy and Rudy Meola Wayne Metsch and Lynn Gelzheiser Dr. Lewis and Phyllis Morrison Paul Murray Katherine Nadeau and Jimmy Vielkind Kevin and Pat O'Bryan Theresa Page Robert and Loretta Parsons Ann Pfau and Dave Hochfelder Deane and Jeffrey Pfeil Rich and Sally Pombo Julia Popova Jared Ray William Reinhardt and Gail Landsman Moira and Thomas Rienzo Elena Rosenbaum and Steve DiStefano Jeffrey Sherrin Janice and Stan Smith Adam and Jeanne Stewart Jane Bucci Stewart Erin Tobin and Roger Bearden Congressman Paul Tonko Edward and Karen Uttberg Rebecca and Corrie Whalen Chris Wilber Howard and Richard Howard Accu Care Home Health Service Architecture + Bethlehem Central High School Brown & Brown, Attorneys at Law Ceralink Citizens Bank Foundation CL King & Associates Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing & Heating Duncan & Cahill Edward Jones Investments Emma Willard Student Philanthropic Club First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany Flink Smith LLC Foy Foundation Advised Fund of the The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, PC Hodgson Russ LLP Honest Weight Food Coop Ironworkers Local #12 Judith Fetterley Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Manna CPA's

Lawrence and Marie Shore Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Martin, Shudt, Wallace, DiLorenzo & Johnson Michael A. Tobin & Associates,C.P.A.'s, P.C. The Neary Group Nigro Companies Pioneer Bank Pombo Wealth Management The Rensselaer Club Rose & Kiernan Sage Brothers Company Schwartz Heslin Group Sequence Development Simmons Machine Tool Corporation Solomon Apartment Management Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C. Trustco Bank United Group of Companies Whiteman Osterman & Hanna Family Farmers ($250 - $499) John and Mary Ann Allen Lisa and Chris Allison Anonymous Barbara and George Arakelian Sharon C. Awramik Patricia A. Bayly Katherine Beam Jonathan Bick Tom and Susan Blandy Steve and Sarah Boggess David and Harriet Borton Peter Bowden and Sharon DiLorenzo Michael Boxley and Karen McKeown Charles and Kathryn Boylen Neil and Rosemary Brown Christopher and Kathleen Burke Rebecca Christner and Carter White Judy and Tom Clement Jim and Phyllis Conroy Dr. Bruce and Robin Coplin Kevin Cornils Sanjay Correa and Carol Hyde TJ Coté and Will Malcolm Frank Crocitto and Laura Zima Donna E. and Wilson Crone Nicholas and Sita Crounse Victoria and Tom Crowell Hon. Peter G. Crummey Richard and Monique Cunningham Sharon and Edward Cupoli Diane and Joe Deas Mary Ann Deignan Christina and Alex Dell Pat and Emil DeToffol Heather Diddel and Samuel House Stephanie and Chris Doyle Jonathan and Julia Elbaum Inge Eley Drs. Kyle and Anna Flik Reg Foster and Maryann Jablonowksi Deborah and Kenneth Gall Janet E. Gargiulo Anthony Garner Lester and Karen Gerhardt

Alan P. Goldberg Tony and Denise Gorman Laura and Edwin Graham Virginia C. Gregg Trudy Hall and Charlie Johnson Scott and Caryn Halle Laura B. Hankin Mary and Chris Harrold Margaret and Jonathan Harvey Dr. James Hendler and Terry Horowit Robert and Glenda Hess Kate Jackett Daquetta Jones Len and Kathleen Kalmer Pauline Kamen Miller and Frederick A. Miller Janine Kava and Robert Carney Matthew Kelly Esq. Andrew Kramarchyk Linda LeClair Sonny Loomis Arthur Malkin and Jill Goodman Christine Martino Andrew Marsh and Kathleen Mattes Barbara and Brian McCandless George and Kathleen McNamee Beth Meer and Andy Beers John and Marney Mesch Hilary and Nicholas Miller Anthony and Debbie Monticello R. Mihran and Ovsanna Mooradian Annette Nanes and Scott Meyer Christine Nealon Lynette and Bernard Noonan Dan O'Connell Thomas O'Connell and Christine Muniak-O'Connell Harry and Kathy Odabashian Mark Pattison and Laura Amos Nina Pattison Lisa Pett Susan and Bill Picotte Patricia Polan Nathan Pruitt and Rebecca Keim Jack and EdnaMae Reilly Virginia and Willard Rogers Mayor Lou Rosamilia and Peg Rosamilia Judy and Larry Rosen Meisha Rosenberg and Roddy Collins Nancy Ross and Bob Henshaw Lisa and Malcolm Roth Rachel Hye Youn Rupright and Alexander Monticello Gail and Joe Sacco Laurie and Jim Salmon Anne Savage and Michael Myers Patti Schachter Christl Schmidt Robert and Gail Schwartz Andrew Sciocchetti and Jill Norton Dr. Susan Scrimshaw and Allan Stern Mari Shopsis and Eliza Kent James Slavin and Monica Mottolese Mary Jane Smith Onnolee and Larry Smith Jay Stasack and Connie Ray David Strogatz and Rosalind Thomas Mary and Bob Sweeney

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 16

donors

Investors in the Future ($2,500 and above) Shawn Allan and Nicholas Hepler Charles and Cheryl Barnes Sharon Bedford and Fred Alm Matthew Bender, IV Deborah and John Bennett Charles and Charlotte Buchanan Doug Burns and Michele Pigliavento Burns John and Patsy Carl John and Sue Corey Edward and Ellen Flink Michael and Mary Ellen Halloran George Hearst III E. Stewart Jones, Jr. and Kimberly Sanger Jones Amy Klein Cynthia Nixon Daniel and Sally Nolan Sylvia Pirani and Mark Barth Raymond and JoAnn Smith Christine Standish Chris Thorne William Tuthill and Gregory Anderson Michael and Margery Whiteman 3M Foundation Altes Family Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Bouchey Financial Group, Ltd. Callanan Industries Capital District Physicians' Health Plan Carlillian Foundation Cascades Tissue Group CSX Small Grants Program for Transporting Healthy Food E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy First Niagara Bank GE Foundation Hannaford Charitable Foundation John Faunce and Alicia Tracy Roach Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region John Nigro Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Keeler Motor Car Charitable Foundation Key Bank Foundation L.O.L.A (Live Organic. Love Animals.)

Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Land Trust Alliance NYSCPP Capacity Grant Lucille A. Herold Charitable Trust Massry Charitable Foundation McCarthy Charities Michaelson Family Fund MVP Health Care O'Bryan Family Foundation Paul and Alane Hohenberg Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Pfau Foundation

Picotte Family Foundation Review Foundation Robison Family Foundation Saratoga Casino and Raceway Schenectady Foundation SEFCU Split Rock Charitable Foundation Stewart's Shops United Way of the Greater Capital Region Wright Family Foundation Community Advocates ($1,000 - $2,499) Barbara J. Ahern and W. Conard Holton Wallace and Jane Altes Jeffrey Anderson and Megan Brown Dr. Robert Benton and Dr. Diane Rourke Assie Bishop Barbara Bradley and Tom McGuire Melody Bruce and David Ray Mark Bryant and Lisa Callahan Carol F. Bullard Thessaly Bullard Jane Cordts Mrs. Lureen DeBonis Cardish Ronald Dunn and Linda Pelosi-Dunn Lorraine and Aaron Evans Amy Facca and Fred Cawley Jennifer Freeman Debra and Wayne Freihofer Elizabeth Gaffney and James Kopp Carolyn B. George and Michael M. Wright Jean and Antoine Gerbini Owen Goldfarb and Priscilla Fairbank Jane and Neil Golub Kimberly Hickok and Mark Crabbe Hon. Kathy and Vince Jimino Drs. William and Mary Kahl William Karchner Candace King Weir David and Sheila Krupski Joseph A. La Spisa Eileen and Kevin Lang Wendell Lorang and Sherry Gold Anne and Tom Nardacci Patricia O'Connor and Marion Terenzio Chet and Karen Opalka Linda J. Passaretti Hannelore and Ralph F. Passonno Jr. John and Jane Pattison Susan Poisson-Dollar and Jerry Dollar Stephen and Susan Ridler Mary Ann and Bruce Shubert Mrs. Donna Simms Paula and Len Sippel Perry Smith and RoseAnne Fogarty Kathlene Thiel and J. Eric King Susan Thompson and Al De Salvo Jessica and Steve Trowbridge Albany Society For The Advancement of Philanthropy

15 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Allstate Insurance Bullard, McLeod & Associates, Inc. Burger 21 Center for Disability Services CEO Community Resource Federal Credit Union David and Candace Weir Foundation Envision Architects PC Field Goods Fingerpaint Marketing, Inc. Greater Capital Association of Realtors Greco Construction Services, LLC Hill & Markes Homestead Funding Jonesville United Methodist Church Legacy Title M & T Charitable Foundation Marra's Pharmacy Maximus Charitable Foundation Monticello Real Estate NBT Bank The Niles & Carl Group NYSID O'Connell & Aronowitz Phoenix Life Insurance The Rosenblum Companies ShopRite Supermarkets Spiral Design Studio St. John's Episcopal Church Stewart's Holiday Match Fund Stuyvesant Plaza, Inc. Troy Teachers Association Ungerman Electric Champion Growers ($500 - $999) Kathy and Carlo Agneta Jeffrey and Louise Bender Michael Bergen and Abbie Kiley Abe and Jean Bolgatz Mary and Bob Brand Curt Breneman and Mimsy Pye Kevin Cleary John and Mary Jo Cline Jeff and Debbie Cohen Hon. Richard Conti and Steve Snow G. John Delory and Joseph D. Leonard Margaret Diggs David and JoAnn Duquette Ann Dusza Stephen Dusza Jeffrey and Lorraine English Mike Esposito Tom and Lisa Evans Doris Fischer and Robert Malesardi Joanne Fortunato Louis J. Suarato and Ann Marie Franke Hon. James Gaughan and Keith Lee Barry and Karen Greene Lisa M. Hall Andrew Shapiro and Betsy Henry Alane and Paul Hohenberg Naomi Ingalls Sam Judge

mission

To nourish healthy communities by providing access to fresh food and green spaces for all.

For Capital Roots, 2015 kicked off early on December 3, 2014, when members of the capital campaign committee officially cut the ribbon (actually a grape vine) on our new Urban Grow Center. At the ribbon cutting, Executive Director Amy Klein introduced our new name – Capital Roots – chosen to communicate the full breadth of the organization’s fresh food access, education and urban greening services.

The first full year in our new headquarters saw the promise of the Urban Grow Center fulfilled, as Capital Roots’ fresh food access programs expanded to serve broader audiences.

Our online ordering platform, the Virtual Veggie Mobile, grew rapidly, helping regional farmers access new markets, and allowing inner-city residents and organizations to purchase affordable fresh local produce. A $50,000 grant from the Schenectady Foundation allowed us to bring the Virtual Veggie Mobile to the Schenectady Community Action Program, while grants from the Wright Family Fund and Carlillian Foundation supported the purchase of a new-to-us vehicle to service Schenectady county organizations and farms.

And a new program – Healthy Streets – launched focusing on making our communities healthier by creating safe infrastructure to walk and bike in Capital Region’s cities.

At the 9th annual Autumn Evening in the Garden event in September, Capital Roots kicked off the celebration of our 40th year with a special auction, which raised $32,000 to purchase new vehicles for the Squash Hunger and Community Gardens programs.

Fittingly, the close of 2015 also marked the close of our $2.8 million dollar capital campaign for Phase I of the Urban Grow Center. What began with leadership gifts from SEFCU, campaign co-chairs E. Stewart Jones Jr. and Kimberly Sanger Jones, the Massry Family Foundation, MVP Healthcare, First Niagara Bank, and the McCarthy Charities closed with an extremely generous donation in December 2015 from Callanan Industries, whose donation of three properties, including our former headquarters at 40 River Street, provided the last funds needed to reach our goal. None of the accomplishments of 2015 would have happened without the steadfast support of Capital Roots’ committed Board of Directors, hard-working staff, donors new and longstanding, and dedicated volunteers.

THANK YOU!

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 4

320,000

Each year, Capital Roots makes garden plots pounds of surplus available in New York’s produce grown by Capital Region through community gardeners donated Community Gardens. to Squash Hunger Providing free seeds, tilling, pounds of fresh water and educational hours of work were put produce grown in in by 65 volunteers, classes, the program community garden developing gardens, sorting seeds and provides nearly 4,000 plots maintaining equipment residents with the opportunity to grow their own food.

In 2015, Capital Roots added two new gardens to the roster: Ida Street in Troy and the East Greenbush garden. Ida Street, our 50th community garden, was celebrated at a grand opening event with the community.

Together, these two gardens, along with the expansion of the Paul’s Place garden in Troy, added 31 new plots to the program, bringing the total number of plots to 882.

Capital Roots’ Educator hosted 250 people in 26 educational classes at gardens and other locations in the community, including the Urban Grow Center. Classes advised gardeners on how to get the most from their plots and keep their gardens healthy and thriving. The Urban Grow Center allowed the program to hold more on-site classes and garden sign-ups, while helping the program build efficiency with a new garage and loading dock.

3,148

195

ASSETS Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash Accounts Receivable Grants Receivable Pledges Receivable Investments - Unrestricted Properties Held for Sale Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

$202, 903 $90,476 $16,069 $286,889 $216,476 $166, 752 $145,000 $13,476

Total Current Assets

$1,138,041

Property and Equipment, Net

$3,107,726

Pledges Receivable, Net of Current Portion

$351,018

Investments - Restricted

$232,398

TOTAL ASSETS

liabilities and Net Assets

$4,829,183

l

Current Liabilities Line of Credit Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accrued Payroll and Related Expenses Deferred Revenue

$75,721 $35,433 $35,929 $45,936 $192,569

Total Current Liabilities Long-term Liabilities Long-term Debt

“It has brought me closer to my neighbors...I don’t know all of their names, but if they see me in the garden or on my way to the garden they’ll ask me how things are going and how my plot is doing. I have this romantic notion that I can feed my entire neighborhood from my little plot. And I try!...It cements the community.”

- Diane Lew-Snider, 2015 Community Gardener

$1,395,849 $1,588,418

Total Liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted

$2,539,959 $468,408 $232,398 $3,240,765

Total Net Assets TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

5 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

$4,829,183

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 14

Financial Statement INCOME......$1,993,545 Government Grants $728,986 (37%) Capital Campaign Donations $290,491 (15%) Corporate Sponsorship $250,006 (13%) Individual Donations $181,769 (9%) Private Foundation Grants $166,388 (8%) Special Events $101,871 (5%) Mobile Market Produce Sales $100,488 (5%) On-Line Market Produce Sales $60,277 (3%) Healthy Stores Sales $47,710 (2%) Community Gardens $46,174 (2%) Other $22,434 Produce Project Sales $13,425 Investments <$16,474>

Expenses......$1,524,036 Mobile Markets $304,608 (20%) Education/Outreach/Squash Hunger $170,102 (11%) Produce Project $169,223 (11%) Community Gardens $142,603 (9%) Operations $143,944 (9%)

Audited Financials 2015

32 130,450

Our Veggie Mobile® weekly stops and Veggie Mobile® Sprout visited mobile markets travel into throughout Capital Region city the Capital Region neighborhoods in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties, year round, five participants pounds of fresh, affordable in the pounds of surplus days per week, selling Veggie Rx producedisseminated grown by produce program produce at wholesale cost to community gardeners throughout the region donated to Squash residents with limited access Hunger to healthy food.

In addition, more than 35,000 pounds of produce was given away through the Taste and Take program, providing customers with a recipe, tasting, and 2015 ingredients, utilizing produce that can be sponsors found right on the Veggie Mobile®.

Through Veggie Rx in 2015, Capital Roots partnered with Whitney M. Young Health to prescribe diabetic and hypertensive patients with coupons redeemable on the Veggie Mobile® for fresh produce. The program ensures that residents with nutrition-related illnesses are able to access and benefit from the fresh, affordable local produce Capital Roots provides. In 2015, 88 percent of Veggie Rx coupons were redeemed, the highest percentage for the program to date.

65

Healthy Stores $120,302 (8%) Healthy Places Project $91,075 (6%) Fundraising $76,647 (5%) Grow Center $71,707 (5%) On-Line Market $50,774 (3%) Depreciation Expense $138,712 Office Space $35,374 Professional Services $12,917 Miscellaneous <$3,951>

13 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

“I’m planning on giving up my car. A big reason for that is the Sprout. It’s going to be much easier for me to ... not have to go out and get the food myself... I like the food selection. It’s convenient, especially in the summer when local food is available. The food is high quality. The prices are very reasonable—lower, even, than most stores where you don’t always know where that food is coming from. I think it is essential for me.”

- Rodderick Brumbaugh, 2015 Sprout Customer

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 6

275 93,000

The Virtual Veggie Mobile® kicked off its first individual and full year in 2015. Through business customers this online marketplace, local participated in the program’s inaugural farmers list their products year for purchase by daycare pounds of fresh regional farmers sold centers, schools, group produce distributed produce and valuehomes and other wholesale added products throughout the through the online year to customers consumers. marketplace Capital Roots is also piloting an individual customer program, with pickup locations at CEO in Troy and ACAP in Albany. In addition to the same fresh produce that can be found on the Veggie Mobile® and Veggie Mobile® Sprout, the Virtual Veggie Mobile® also offers locally sourced meat, dairy, and value-added products such maple, yogurt, granola, beef jerky and honey.

It was a groundbreaking first full year for the program. More than 97 percent of customers who registered placed orders throughout the year with the average order increasing in size by nearly 40 percent. Capital Roots delivered more than 400 orders to these customers and prepared more than 720 orders for individual customers.

50

“When someone says they’re bringing in a new pilot program, something that’s going to benefit us, you always have a little skepticism, but as soon as I opened my first bag, I was sold; I was in love. The fruits and vegetables are phenomenal. And I’ve been really excited to not only be able to see the difference in the amount of money I’m spending to remain healthy for myself and my family,but also the fact that it’s right where I live and work.”

- Jessica DeJesus, 2015 VVM Customer

7 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Environmental Impact at the

Capital Roots’ spent its first full year in the Urban Grow Center in 2015. A vast change from the organization's former headquarters, the building gave the organization the opportunity to focus on our environmental impact and make steps toward carbon neutrality. These steps included the installation of solar panels and stormwater infrastructure improvements, which prevent untreated runoff from entering the sewer system and protect the Hudson River from pollution.

The 135 solar panels were installed on the roof of our building in 2015 by community partner, Empire Solar. The installation is expected to cut Capital Roots’ dependence on the grid by nearly one-third. The two lower rooftops house the Grow Center’s green, living roofs. This 1,600 square foot mix of native and drought resistant plants provides habitat for birds and insects, absorbs and filters pollutants from rainwater and helps cool the environment around it. The roof’s layer of plants and soil also helps reduce energy costs by acting as natural insulation.

Water from the green roofs make their way into the cistern out front. When this overflows, water flows into a shallow bioretention basin. Storm water that enters this “rain garden” has a chance to naturally seep into the ground and/or be filtered by the plants before entering the storm drain. A porous pavement parking lot allows stormwater to seep through instead of running off the lot with vehicle oils. The water is filtered by gravel, and makes its way to the soil below, where natural systems help remediate oils, far from storm drains and our rivers.

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 12

56 44

pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens supported

weekly individual volunteers

gleaners who rescued produce from the fields of partner farms

60

160,000 meals provided by food distributed through the program

a produce drive with Shop Rite Supermarkets where 700 pounds of produce was collected. Capital Roots community gardeners also donated 3,150 pounds of produce to add to collection bins. The move to the Urban Grow Center, and the addition of cooler space, a pallet jack and loading bay, improved the efficiency of the program and allowed the staff to store produce for more equitable and broader geographic distribution to more rural pantries and shelters.

“The Community Meal Program (at Unity House) makes lunches for 100 to 200 people every single day of the year. We run on a minimal budget, which means that produce is hard to prioritize in purchasing. Nevertheless, fresh food is at the front of our mind as we feed people, so having a weekly delivery from Capital Roots makes all the difference in the world.”

- Amy Halloran, Unity House Chef

11 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Squash Hunger is Capital Roots’ food donation initiative where volunteers collect and distribute fresh produce to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters throughout Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and southern Saratoga counties. Collection bins are placed at various locations throughout the Capital Region allowing gardeners, farmers and grocery shoppers to donate fresh food.

In 2015, the program organized and implemented

2015 sponsors

27

The Produce Project is a students year-round job and life-skills participated in spring, training program for inner summer city youth. Troy High School and fall programming students are given a stipend and school credit for cultivating the 2.5-acre of volunteers pounds of produce harvested, supported pounds of surplus youth-powered urban farm the program then sold to customers, sent produce grown by home with students, and and selling their harvest throughout community gardeners donated to Squash Hunger the season donated to Squash crops at their Farm Stand Hunger and the Delmar Farmers Market. As they learn about the nutritional benefits of fresh, local food, they also take home a portion of what they grow to share with their families.

In 2015, students engaged in lessons on tool maintenance, plant families, seed sowing, food heritage gardens, market prep and customer service, farm assessment, and food systems. The students had the opportunity to participate in a cooking class series, featuring local guest chefs, an opportunity created by the move to the Urban Grow Center.

Throughout the summer and into the fall, students and volunteers prepared the farm for the planting of a new orchard, improved the farm compost area and prepared the slope and lower south section of the farm for usable activity and planting space. Students also helped to construct a pergola shade structure.

100s

18,700

“When you grow up in the city and you see bad things going on, it’s good to know there’s a place like this where people can go and forget all about it. It’s a safe haven and a place to get your mind off of things...Over the summer we did a lot of community service at Unity House and I thought that was really cool because growing up, we’d always go there...so it’s cool to go back to where you started and give back to those who helped you.”

- Nadia Woodby, 2015 Produce Project Student

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 8

16

residents supported through the program

convenience stores serviced, including two new locations

33,714

59,000 pounds of produce distributed through the program to inner-city neighborhoods

Healthy Stores makes fresh produce available daily to inner-city residents throughout Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties.

Participating stores are provided custom refrigeration units that are stocked twice (or more) a week by Capital Roots staff, providing residents access to fresh produce where they shop every day.

Two new locations were added to the roster in 2015, one in Albany and a second in Rensselaer, and Capital

Roots outreach staff spent time doing tastings outside some 2015 of the stores to network with residents and inform them of sponsor the new produce available at their neighborhood store. Many of the existing stores increased the frequency of their order per week as a result of growing demand.

In the Urban Grow Center’s first full year, the onsite Produce Market brought many neighbors through the doors of Capital Roots. Customers to the market had the unique opportunity to not only purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, but also meat, dairy and local value-added products, including eggs, yogurt, granola, maple products, and more.

“The product we’ve been getting is nice and fresh and tastes so good. Instead of buying two oranges, for example, people end up buying three or four. The deals we get from (Capital Roots) are actually spreading around and we are dropping prices.”

- Nicole Tlaiji, Midtown Market Owner

9 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

6

The Taste Good Series is a six-week nutrition schools participated education program where in the students in pre-school program through second grade are introduced to new fruits and classrooms vegetables and learn about hosted studentspounds in grades pre-k through of surplus Capital the benefits of fresh secondproduce grade participated in the grown by Roots’ produce. Capital Roots' community gardeners Taste Good Series Educator donated to Squash Educator visits city Hunger classrooms throughout Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties, incorporating fresh food samples, reading, games, art, basic nutrition, horticulture and other fun activities into hands-on lessons designed to inspire children to adopt their own healthy lifestyles.

In 2015, students learned about plant life cycles, pollination, where food comes from, food preparation, and how healthy food affects your body. Capital Roots also partnered with the Schenectady Jewish Community Center to bring the Taste Good Series to their after-school program. Another partnership with the Seymour Fox Foundation allowed Capital Roots to offer the program to new schools in the region. Capital Roots staff had the opportunity to present again at the Capital District Childcare Council conference, highlighting the program to hundreds of teachers in the region.

16

350

“The children really looked forward to it. I could see them change as the weeks went on. The children loved planting and getting to taste the fruits and vegetables.

They get to taste new foods. They also learn about where the fruits and vegetables come from. The plant system, root, leaf, etc. Katie is so engaging and enthusiastic. It is a wonderful program!

- Jo-Ann Stankus, Mercy Cares for Kids Teacher

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 10

16

residents supported through the program

convenience stores serviced, including two new locations

55,000

59,000 pounds of produce distributed through the program to inner-city neighborhoods

Healthy Stores makes fresh produce available daily to inner-city residents throughout Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties.

Participating stores are provided custom refrigeration units that are stocked twice (or more) a week by Capital Roots staff, providing residents access to fresh produce where they shop every day.

Two new locations were added to the roster in 2015, one in Albany and a second in Rensselaer, and Capital

Roots outreach staff spent time doing tastings outside some 2015 of the stores to network with residents and inform them of sponsor the new produce available at their neighborhood store. Many of the existing stores increased the frequency of their order per week as a result of growing demand.

In the Urban Grow Center’s first full year, the onsite Produce Market brought many neighbors through the doors of Capital Roots. Customers to the market had the unique opportunity to not only purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, but also meat, dairy and local value-added products, including eggs, yogurt, granola, maple products, and more.

“The product we’ve been getting is nice and fresh and tastes so good. Instead of buying two oranges, for example, people end up buying three or four. The deals we get from (Capital Roots) are actually spreading around and we are dropping prices.”

- Nicole Tlaiji, Midtown Market Owner

9 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

6

The Taste Good Series is a six-week nutrition schools participated education program where in the students in pre-school program through second grade are introduced to new fruits and classrooms vegetables and learn about hosted studentspounds in grades pre-k through of surplus Capital the benefits of fresh secondproduce grade participated in the grown by Roots’ produce. Capital Roots' community gardeners Taste Good Series Educator donated to Squash Educator visits city Hunger classrooms throughout Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties, incorporating fresh food samples, reading, games, art, basic nutrition, horticulture and other fun activities into hands-on lessons designed to inspire children to adopt their own healthy lifestyles.

In 2015, students learned about plant life cycles, pollination, where food comes from, food preparation, and how healthy food affects your body. Capital Roots also partnered with the Schenectady Jewish Community Center to bring the Taste Good Series to their after-school program. Another partnership with the Seymour Fox Foundation allowed Capital Roots to offer the program to new schools in the region. Capital Roots staff had the opportunity to present again at the Capital District Childcare Council conference, highlighting the program to hundreds of teachers in the region.

16

350

“The children really looked forward to it. I could see them change as the weeks went on. The children loved planting and getting to taste the fruits and vegetables.

They get to taste new foods. They also learn about where the fruits and vegetables come from. The plant system, root, leaf, etc. Katie is so engaging and enthusiastic. It is a wonderful program!

- Jo-Ann Stankus, Mercy Cares for Kids Teacher

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 10

56 44

pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens supported

weekly individual volunteers

gleaners who rescued produce from the fields of partner farms

60

160,000 meals provided by food distributed through the program

a produce drive with Shop Rite Supermarkets where 700 pounds of produce was collected. Capital Roots community gardeners also donated 3,150 pounds of produce to add to collection bins. The move to the Urban Grow Center, and the addition of cooler space, a pallet jack and loading bay, improved the efficiency of the program and allowed the staff to store produce for more equitable and broader geographic distribution to more rural pantries and shelters.

“The Community Meal Program (at Unity House) makes lunches for 100 to 200 people every single day of the year. We run on a minimal budget, which means that produce is hard to prioritize in purchasing. Nevertheless, fresh food is at the front of our mind as we feed people, so having a weekly delivery from Capital Roots makes all the difference in the world.”

- Amy Halloran, Unity House Chef

11 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Squash Hunger is Capital Roots’ food donation initiative where volunteers collect and distribute fresh produce to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters throughout Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and southern Saratoga counties. Collection bins are placed at various locations throughout the Capital Region allowing gardeners, farmers and grocery shoppers to donate fresh food.

In 2015, the program organized and implemented

2015 sponsors

27

The Produce Project is a students year-round job and life-skills participated in spring, training program for inner summer city youth. Troy High School and fall programming students are given a stipend and school credit for cultivating the 2.5-acre of volunteers pounds of produce harvested, supported pounds of surplus youth-powered urban farm the program then sold to customers, sent produce grown by home with students, and and selling their harvest throughout community gardeners donated to Squash Hunger the season donated to Squash crops at their Farm Stand Hunger and the Delmar Farmers Market. As they learn about the nutritional benefits of fresh, local food, they also take home a portion of what they grow to share with their families.

In 2015, students engaged in lessons on tool maintenance, plant families, seed sowing, food heritage gardens, market prep and customer service, farm assessment, and food systems. The students had the opportunity to participate in a cooking class series, featuring local guest chefs, an opportunity created by the move to the Urban Grow Center.

Throughout the summer and into the fall, students and volunteers prepared the farm for the planting of a new orchard, improved the farm compost area and prepared the slope and lower south section of the farm for usable activity and planting space. Students also helped to construct a pergola shade structure.

100s

18,700

“When you grow up in the city and you see bad things going on, it’s good to know there’s a place like this where people can go and forget all about it. It’s a safe haven and a place to get your mind off of things...Over the summer we did a lot of community service at Unity House and I thought that was really cool because growing up, we’d always go there...so it’s cool to go back to where you started and give back to those who helped you.”

- Nadia Woodby, 2015 Produce Project Student

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 8

275 93,000

The Virtual Veggie Mobile® kicked off its first individual and full year in 2015. Through business customers this online marketplace, local participated in the program’s inaugural farmers list their products year for purchase by daycare pounds of fresh regional farmers sold centers, schools, group produce distributed produce and valuehomes and other wholesale added products throughout the through the online year to customers consumers. marketplace Capital Roots is also piloting an individual customer program, with pickup locations at CEO in Troy and ACAP in Albany. In addition to the same fresh produce that can be found on the Veggie Mobile® and Veggie Mobile® Sprout, the Virtual Veggie Mobile® also offers locally sourced meat, dairy, and value-added products such maple, yogurt, granola, beef jerky and honey.

It was a groundbreaking first full year for the program. More than 97 percent of customers who registered placed orders throughout the year with the average order increasing in size by nearly 40 percent. Capital Roots delivered more than 400 orders to these customers and prepared more than 720 orders for individual customers.

50

“When someone says they’re bringing in a new pilot program, something that’s going to benefit us, you always have a little skepticism, but as soon as I opened my first bag, I was sold; I was in love. The fruits and vegetables are phenomenal. And I’ve been really excited to not only be able to see the difference in the amount of money I’m spending to remain healthy for myself and my family,but also the fact that it’s right where I live and work.”

- Jessica DeJesus, 2015 VVM Customer

7 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Environmental Impact at the

Capital Roots’ spent its first full year in the Urban Grow Center in 2015. A vast change from the organization's former headquarters, the building gave the organization the opportunity to focus on our environmental impact and make steps toward carbon neutrality. These steps included the installation of solar panels and stormwater infrastructure improvements, which prevent untreated runoff from entering the sewer system and protect the Hudson River from pollution.

The 135 solar panels were installed on the roof of our building in 2015 by community partner, Empire Solar. The installation is expected to cut Capital Roots’ dependence on the grid by nearly one-third. The two lower rooftops house the Grow Center’s green, living roofs. This 1,600 square foot mix of native and drought resistant plants provides habitat for birds and insects, absorbs and filters pollutants from rainwater and helps cool the environment around it. The roof’s layer of plants and soil also helps reduce energy costs by acting as natural insulation.

Water from the green roofs make their way into the cistern out front. When this overflows, water flows into a shallow bioretention basin. Storm water that enters this “rain garden” has a chance to naturally seep into the ground and/or be filtered by the plants before entering the storm drain. A porous pavement parking lot allows stormwater to seep through instead of running off the lot with vehicle oils. The water is filtered by gravel, and makes its way to the soil below, where natural systems help remediate oils, far from storm drains and our rivers.

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 12

Financial Statement INCOME......$1,993,545 Government Grants $728,986 (37%) Capital Campaign Donations $290,491 (15%) Corporate Sponsorship $250,006 (13%) Individual Donations $181,769 (9%) Private Foundation Grants $166,388 (8%) Special Events $101,871 (5%) Mobile Market Produce Sales $100,488 (5%) On-Line Market Produce Sales $60,277 (3%) Healthy Stores Sales $47,710 (2%) Community Gardens $46,174 (2%) Other $22,434 Produce Project Sales $13,425 Investments <$16,474>

Expenses......$1,524,036 Mobile Markets $304,608 (20%) Education/Outreach/Squash Hunger $170,102 (11%) Produce Project $169,223 (11%) Community Gardens $142,603 (9%) Operations $143,944 (9%)

Audited Financials 2015

32 130,450

Our Veggie Mobile® weekly stops and Veggie Mobile® Sprout visited mobile markets travel into throughout Capital Region city the Capital Region neighborhoods in Albany, Rensselaer and Schenectady counties, year round, five participants pounds of fresh, affordable in the pounds of surplus days per week, selling Veggie Rx producedisseminated grown by produce program produce at wholesale cost to community gardeners throughout the region donated to Squash residents with limited access Hunger to healthy food.

In addition, more than 35,000 pounds of produce was given away through the Taste and Take program, providing customers with a recipe, tasting, and 2015 ingredients, utilizing produce that can be sponsors found right on the Veggie Mobile®.

Through Veggie Rx in 2015, Capital Roots partnered with Whitney M. Young Health to prescribe diabetic and hypertensive patients with coupons redeemable on the Veggie Mobile® for fresh produce. The program ensures that residents with nutrition-related illnesses are able to access and benefit from the fresh, affordable local produce Capital Roots provides. In 2015, 88 percent of Veggie Rx coupons were redeemed, the highest percentage for the program to date.

65

Healthy Stores $120,302 (8%) Healthy Places Project $91,075 (6%) Fundraising $76,647 (5%) Grow Center $71,707 (5%) On-Line Market $50,774 (3%) Depreciation Expense $138,712 Office Space $35,374 Professional Services $12,917 Miscellaneous <$3,951>

13 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

“I’m planning on giving up my car. A big reason for that is the Sprout. It’s going to be much easier for me to ... not have to go out and get the food myself... I like the food selection. It’s convenient, especially in the summer when local food is available. The food is high quality. The prices are very reasonable—lower, even, than most stores where you don’t always know where that food is coming from. I think it is essential for me.”

- Rodderick Brumbaugh, 2015 Sprout Customer

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 6

320,000

Each year, Capital Roots makes garden plots pounds of surplus available in New York’s produce grown by Capital Region through community gardeners donated Community Gardens. to Squash Hunger Providing free seeds, tilling, pounds of fresh water and educational hours of work were put produce grown in in by 65 volunteers, classes, the program community garden developing gardens, sorting seeds and provides nearly 4,000 plots maintaining equipment residents with the opportunity to grow their own food.

In 2015, Capital Roots added two new gardens to the roster: Ida Street in Troy and the East Greenbush garden. Ida Street, our 50th community garden, was celebrated at a grand opening event with the community.

Together, these two gardens, along with the expansion of the Paul’s Place garden in Troy, added 31 new plots to the program, bringing the total number of plots to 882.

Capital Roots’ Educator hosted 250 people in 26 educational classes at gardens and other locations in the community, including the Urban Grow Center. Classes advised gardeners on how to get the most from their plots and keep their gardens healthy and thriving. The Urban Grow Center allowed the program to hold more on-site classes and garden sign-ups, while helping the program build efficiency with a new garage and loading dock.

3,148

195

ASSETS Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Restricted Cash Accounts Receivable Grants Receivable Pledges Receivable Investments - Unrestricted Properties Held for Sale Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

$202, 903 $90,476 $16,069 $286,889 $216,476 $166, 752 $145,000 $13,476

Total Current Assets

$1,138,041

Property and Equipment, Net

$3,107,726

Pledges Receivable, Net of Current Portion

$351,018

Investments - Restricted

$232,398

TOTAL ASSETS

liabilities and Net Assets

$4,829,183

l

Current Liabilities Line of Credit Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses Accrued Payroll and Related Expenses Deferred Revenue

$75,721 $35,433 $35,929 $45,936 $192,569

Total Current Liabilities Long-term Liabilities Long-term Debt

“It has brought me closer to my neighbors...I don’t know all of their names, but if they see me in the garden or on my way to the garden they’ll ask me how things are going and how my plot is doing. I have this romantic notion that I can feed my entire neighborhood from my little plot. And I try!...It cements the community.”

- Diane Lew-Snider, 2015 Community Gardener

$1,395,849 $1,588,418

Total Liabilities Net Assets Unrestricted Temporarily Restricted Permanently Restricted

$2,539,959 $468,408 $232,398 $3,240,765

Total Net Assets TOTAL LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS

5 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

$4,829,183

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 14

donors

Investors in the Future ($2,500 and above) Shawn Allan and Nicholas Hepler Charles and Cheryl Barnes Sharon Bedford and Fred Alm Matthew Bender, IV Deborah and John Bennett Charles and Charlotte Buchanan Doug Burns and Michele Pigliavento Burns John and Patsy Carl John and Sue Corey Edward and Ellen Flink Michael and Mary Ellen Halloran George Hearst III E. Stewart Jones, Jr. and Kimberly Sanger Jones Amy Klein Cynthia Nixon Daniel and Sally Nolan Sylvia Pirani and Mark Barth Raymond and JoAnn Smith Christine Standish Chris Thorne William Tuthill and Gregory Anderson Michael and Margery Whiteman 3M Foundation Altes Family Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Bouchey Financial Group, Ltd. Callanan Industries Capital District Physicians' Health Plan Carlillian Foundation Cascades Tissue Group CSX Small Grants Program for Transporting Healthy Food E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy First Niagara Bank GE Foundation Hannaford Charitable Foundation John Faunce and Alicia Tracy Roach Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region John Nigro Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Keeler Motor Car Charitable Foundation Key Bank Foundation L.O.L.A (Live Organic. Love Animals.)

Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Land Trust Alliance NYSCPP Capacity Grant Lucille A. Herold Charitable Trust Massry Charitable Foundation McCarthy Charities Michaelson Family Fund MVP Health Care O'Bryan Family Foundation Paul and Alane Hohenberg Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Pfau Foundation

Picotte Family Foundation Review Foundation Robison Family Foundation Saratoga Casino and Raceway Schenectady Foundation SEFCU Split Rock Charitable Foundation Stewart's Shops United Way of the Greater Capital Region Wright Family Foundation Community Advocates ($1,000 - $2,499) Barbara J. Ahern and W. Conard Holton Wallace and Jane Altes Jeffrey Anderson and Megan Brown Dr. Robert Benton and Dr. Diane Rourke Assie Bishop Barbara Bradley and Tom McGuire Melody Bruce and David Ray Mark Bryant and Lisa Callahan Carol F. Bullard Thessaly Bullard Jane Cordts Mrs. Lureen DeBonis Cardish Ronald Dunn and Linda Pelosi-Dunn Lorraine and Aaron Evans Amy Facca and Fred Cawley Jennifer Freeman Debra and Wayne Freihofer Elizabeth Gaffney and James Kopp Carolyn B. George and Michael M. Wright Jean and Antoine Gerbini Owen Goldfarb and Priscilla Fairbank Jane and Neil Golub Kimberly Hickok and Mark Crabbe Hon. Kathy and Vince Jimino Drs. William and Mary Kahl William Karchner Candace King Weir David and Sheila Krupski Joseph A. La Spisa Eileen and Kevin Lang Wendell Lorang and Sherry Gold Anne and Tom Nardacci Patricia O'Connor and Marion Terenzio Chet and Karen Opalka Linda J. Passaretti Hannelore and Ralph F. Passonno Jr. John and Jane Pattison Susan Poisson-Dollar and Jerry Dollar Stephen and Susan Ridler Mary Ann and Bruce Shubert Mrs. Donna Simms Paula and Len Sippel Perry Smith and RoseAnne Fogarty Kathlene Thiel and J. Eric King Susan Thompson and Al De Salvo Jessica and Steve Trowbridge Albany Society For The Advancement of Philanthropy

15 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Allstate Insurance Bullard, McLeod & Associates, Inc. Burger 21 Center for Disability Services CEO Community Resource Federal Credit Union David and Candace Weir Foundation Envision Architects PC Field Goods Fingerpaint Marketing, Inc. Greater Capital Association of Realtors Greco Construction Services, LLC Hill & Markes Homestead Funding Jonesville United Methodist Church Legacy Title M & T Charitable Foundation Marra's Pharmacy Maximus Charitable Foundation Monticello Real Estate NBT Bank The Niles & Carl Group NYSID O'Connell & Aronowitz Phoenix Life Insurance The Rosenblum Companies ShopRite Supermarkets Spiral Design Studio St. John's Episcopal Church Stewart's Holiday Match Fund Stuyvesant Plaza, Inc. Troy Teachers Association Ungerman Electric Champion Growers ($500 - $999) Kathy and Carlo Agneta Jeffrey and Louise Bender Michael Bergen and Abbie Kiley Abe and Jean Bolgatz Mary and Bob Brand Curt Breneman and Mimsy Pye Kevin Cleary John and Mary Jo Cline Jeff and Debbie Cohen Hon. Richard Conti and Steve Snow G. John Delory and Joseph D. Leonard Margaret Diggs David and JoAnn Duquette Ann Dusza Stephen Dusza Jeffrey and Lorraine English Mike Esposito Tom and Lisa Evans Doris Fischer and Robert Malesardi Joanne Fortunato Louis J. Suarato and Ann Marie Franke Hon. James Gaughan and Keith Lee Barry and Karen Greene Lisa M. Hall Andrew Shapiro and Betsy Henry Alane and Paul Hohenberg Naomi Ingalls Sam Judge

mission

To nourish healthy communities by providing access to fresh food and green spaces for all.

For Capital Roots, 2015 kicked off early on December 3, 2014, when members of the capital campaign committee officially cut the ribbon (actually a grape vine) on our new Urban Grow Center. At the ribbon cutting, Executive Director Amy Klein introduced our new name – Capital Roots – chosen to communicate the full breadth of the organization’s fresh food access, education and urban greening services.

The first full year in our new headquarters saw the promise of the Urban Grow Center fulfilled, as Capital Roots’ fresh food access programs expanded to serve broader audiences.

Our online ordering platform, the Virtual Veggie Mobile, grew rapidly, helping regional farmers access new markets, and allowing inner-city residents and organizations to purchase affordable fresh local produce. A $50,000 grant from the Schenectady Foundation allowed us to bring the Virtual Veggie Mobile to the Schenectady Community Action Program, while grants from the Wright Family Fund and Carlillian Foundation supported the purchase of a new-to-us vehicle to service Schenectady county organizations and farms.

And a new program – Healthy Streets – launched focusing on making our communities healthier by creating safe infrastructure to walk and bike in Capital Region’s cities.

At the 9th annual Autumn Evening in the Garden event in September, Capital Roots kicked off the celebration of our 40th year with a special auction, which raised $32,000 to purchase new vehicles for the Squash Hunger and Community Gardens programs.

Fittingly, the close of 2015 also marked the close of our $2.8 million dollar capital campaign for Phase I of the Urban Grow Center. What began with leadership gifts from SEFCU, campaign co-chairs E. Stewart Jones Jr. and Kimberly Sanger Jones, the Massry Family Foundation, MVP Healthcare, First Niagara Bank, and the McCarthy Charities closed with an extremely generous donation in December 2015 from Callanan Industries, whose donation of three properties, including our former headquarters at 40 River Street, provided the last funds needed to reach our goal. None of the accomplishments of 2015 would have happened without the steadfast support of Capital Roots’ committed Board of Directors, hard-working staff, donors new and longstanding, and dedicated volunteers.

THANK YOU!

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 4

2015 At a Glance

57,000 residents served by the Veggie Mobile®

350

students in the Taste Good Series

16

Healthy Stores

Veggie Rx participants

65 50 411,000 1

27

Produce Project students

community

gardens

882

community garden plots

pounds of produce distributed through the Food Hub

80,000 pounds of produce donated through Squash Hunger

3 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Urban Grow Center

32

weekly Veggie Mobile® stops in the Capital Region

Garry and JoAnn Kearns Alexander and Gail Keeler Honorable Noelle Kinsch and Darius Shahinfar Christine Kleinegger Rebekah and Curtis Klope Lynn Kopka Lawrence and Ellen Kotlow Linda and Matthew London Beth Manning Gordon and Linda Mappes Eileen and Mark McCarthy Barbara and John McDonald Assemblyman John T. McDonald III and Renee McDonald Don and Elizabeth Ann McLaughlin Wendy and Rudy Meola Wayne Metsch and Lynn Gelzheiser Dr. Lewis and Phyllis Morrison Paul Murray Katherine Nadeau and Jimmy Vielkind Kevin and Pat O'Bryan Theresa Page Robert and Loretta Parsons Ann Pfau and Dave Hochfelder Deane and Jeffrey Pfeil Rich and Sally Pombo Julia Popova Jared Ray William Reinhardt and Gail Landsman Moira and Thomas Rienzo Elena Rosenbaum and Steve DiStefano Jeffrey Sherrin Janice and Stan Smith Adam and Jeanne Stewart Jane Bucci Stewart Erin Tobin and Roger Bearden Congressman Paul Tonko Edward and Karen Uttberg Rebecca and Corrie Whalen Chris Wilber Howard and Richard Howard Accu Care Home Health Service Architecture + Bethlehem Central High School Brown & Brown, Attorneys at Law Ceralink Citizens Bank Foundation CL King & Associates Crisafulli Bros. Plumbing & Heating Duncan & Cahill Edward Jones Investments Emma Willard Student Philanthropic Club First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany Flink Smith LLC Foy Foundation Advised Fund of the The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Guth DeConzo Consulting Engineers, PC Hodgson Russ LLP Honest Weight Food Coop Ironworkers Local #12 Judith Fetterley Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Manna CPA's

Lawrence and Marie Shore Donor Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Martin, Shudt, Wallace, DiLorenzo & Johnson Michael A. Tobin & Associates,C.P.A.'s, P.C. The Neary Group Nigro Companies Pioneer Bank Pombo Wealth Management The Rensselaer Club Rose & Kiernan Sage Brothers Company Schwartz Heslin Group Sequence Development Simmons Machine Tool Corporation Solomon Apartment Management Towne, Ryan & Partners, P.C. Trustco Bank United Group of Companies Whiteman Osterman & Hanna Family Farmers ($250 - $499) John and Mary Ann Allen Lisa and Chris Allison Anonymous Barbara and George Arakelian Sharon C. Awramik Patricia A. Bayly Katherine Beam Jonathan Bick Tom and Susan Blandy Steve and Sarah Boggess David and Harriet Borton Peter Bowden and Sharon DiLorenzo Michael Boxley and Karen McKeown Charles and Kathryn Boylen Neil and Rosemary Brown Christopher and Kathleen Burke Rebecca Christner and Carter White Judy and Tom Clement Jim and Phyllis Conroy Dr. Bruce and Robin Coplin Kevin Cornils Sanjay Correa and Carol Hyde TJ Coté and Will Malcolm Frank Crocitto and Laura Zima Donna E. and Wilson Crone Nicholas and Sita Crounse Victoria and Tom Crowell Hon. Peter G. Crummey Richard and Monique Cunningham Sharon and Edward Cupoli Diane and Joe Deas Mary Ann Deignan Christina and Alex Dell Pat and Emil DeToffol Heather Diddel and Samuel House Stephanie and Chris Doyle Jonathan and Julia Elbaum Inge Eley Drs. Kyle and Anna Flik Reg Foster and Maryann Jablonowksi Deborah and Kenneth Gall Janet E. Gargiulo Anthony Garner Lester and Karen Gerhardt

Alan P. Goldberg Tony and Denise Gorman Laura and Edwin Graham Virginia C. Gregg Trudy Hall and Charlie Johnson Scott and Caryn Halle Laura B. Hankin Mary and Chris Harrold Margaret and Jonathan Harvey Dr. James Hendler and Terry Horowit Robert and Glenda Hess Kate Jackett Daquetta Jones Len and Kathleen Kalmer Pauline Kamen Miller and Frederick A. Miller Janine Kava and Robert Carney Matthew Kelly Esq. Andrew Kramarchyk Linda LeClair Sonny Loomis Arthur Malkin and Jill Goodman Christine Martino Andrew Marsh and Kathleen Mattes Barbara and Brian McCandless George and Kathleen McNamee Beth Meer and Andy Beers John and Marney Mesch Hilary and Nicholas Miller Anthony and Debbie Monticello R. Mihran and Ovsanna Mooradian Annette Nanes and Scott Meyer Christine Nealon Lynette and Bernard Noonan Dan O'Connell Thomas O'Connell and Christine Muniak-O'Connell Harry and Kathy Odabashian Mark Pattison and Laura Amos Nina Pattison Lisa Pett Susan and Bill Picotte Patricia Polan Nathan Pruitt and Rebecca Keim Jack and EdnaMae Reilly Virginia and Willard Rogers Mayor Lou Rosamilia and Peg Rosamilia Judy and Larry Rosen Meisha Rosenberg and Roddy Collins Nancy Ross and Bob Henshaw Lisa and Malcolm Roth Rachel Hye Youn Rupright and Alexander Monticello Gail and Joe Sacco Laurie and Jim Salmon Anne Savage and Michael Myers Patti Schachter Christl Schmidt Robert and Gail Schwartz Andrew Sciocchetti and Jill Norton Dr. Susan Scrimshaw and Allan Stern Mari Shopsis and Eliza Kent James Slavin and Monica Mottolese Mary Jane Smith Onnolee and Larry Smith Jay Stasack and Connie Ray David Strogatz and Rosalind Thomas Mary and Bob Sweeney

Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report | 16

donors

Dorothy Y. Szymaszek Micheileen Treadwell Lynette and Michael Tucker Sondra Velie Linda Wason Susan Watson Scott Weiner Honorable Rodney Wiltshire Jr. and Jolene Wiltshire Michael and Cynthia Woellmer Tiffany Zarrella Austin and Company Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. Cargill Christ Church United Methodist CornerStone Telephone Company Delmar Presbyterian Church Delmar Rotary Foundation Inc First United Presbyterian Church Flowers by Pesha Franklin Plaza Full Spectrum Communications Greane Tree Technology Heartspace Yoga Hoosick Valley Contractors Kathleen M. and Thomas C. Dwyer Advised Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region Mann Wireless, Ltd. McKesson Foundation Prestone Printing Company Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Northeastern New York Scotia Glenville Lions Club St. Peter's Health Partners Van Rensselaer Garden Club Wilton Food Pantry Cultivators ($100 - $249) Barbara Agneta Herm and Linda Ames Thomas and Linda Andersen Eric Anderson and Caroline Lee Gayle Anderson and Sid Fleisher Steven and Nancy Angle Dave and Sue Anthony Les Apple Karen M. Asher Sharon Babala Eileen and Rick Bagnoli Brian and Dena Barker Frank Barrie Donald J. Barron Laura and Paul Bartosik Karen Beck Tim Bell Robert A. Bergman Elmer and Olga Bertsch Marie and James Bettini Drs. Naomi and Jay Bloomfield Kathryn Bohacek Valerie Bok Elizabeth Boyer

Paula Boyer M. Lynn Bradley Ed Brazee and Connie Carter Hon. Neil Breslin Paula and Richard Brewer Janet Britt and John Dojka Sid and Doris Brown Geraldine A. Bunn and Stephen Onderdonk Louise M. Burkhart and Brian K. Ladd Mary Ellen Bussey Daniel Butterworth Honorable Ron Canestrari Nancy Carey Cassidy and Tom Cassidy Tom and Nan Carroll Tom and Claudia Carroll Steven Cass Catherine Cavanaugh Rose Chaney Lynne and Charles Charbonneau Sam and Kellie Chiappone Angelo Christo G. Stephen Christopher John and Joyce Chupka Robert Clancy and Lauren Payne Rae Clark Cathleen Clement Jessie Cogswell Bonnie and Jeff Cohen Seth Cohen and Ellen Tucker-Cohen Janis Cohen Henry C. Collins and Madelyn Collins Kevin Conley Joan Connolly and Sharon Ahl Edward and Susan Connolly Eileen Considine Anne Conway Dr. Edwin J. Cook and Patricia Zalinka-Cook Kirk Cornwell and Claire Pospisil Julia Cosgrove Stephen Cowan and Lucille Marion Leslie Craigue Nancy and Kevin Creagan Lorraine and John D'Aleo Sally Daly Karen D'Ascoli Barbara and Edward Dempsey Dee Dee Diccicco-Craft and Mike Craft Patrick A. DiCerbo Wayne and Carole Diesel Sharon T. DiLorenzo Jennifer Dodge Susan and Alexander d'Oelsnitz Honorable Robert J. Doherty and June Richardson Brian and Toni Doherty Bob Dowd and Maribeth Krupczak Deann Downing and Cathy Fiore Frederick Doyle Bill Dunne and Theresa Setzer Anthony Durante Amy Durland Henry Ehrlich

17 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Alice Ellett Carl Erickson David and Alice Esmond Joseph Esposito Carolyn Estabrooks Vanessa Etherington and Jeffery DiStefano Evelyn Stern Farbstein James and Barbara Featherstonhaugh Rodger Fink and Laura Paris Todd and Yvette Fitzgerald Dean Forman Dona Frank Lisa Frisch Diane Fuglein and Frank Bode Ursula Garreau-Rickenbacher Dr. and Mrs. Gregg Gerety Michelle D. Gerry Veronica Gil Seaver George and Marie Giokas Gary David Gold and Nancy Pierson Marc and Cynthia Goldstein Carlsbury Gonzalez Herb and Shirley Gordon Karen and John Graf David and Marilyn Grimm John P. Hawn Mary Hession Claire and John Higgins Ellen Higgins and Richard Beer Debra A. Hinden Oliver Holecek Ellen and Robert Hotz Fred Houser Antoinette Hueber Lucinda Huggins Fatima Hussain John and Jane Husson Andrea Hyary Richard and Anne Iannello Patty Ide Williams Marc Iorio Ann and Richard Jacobs Mike and Michele Jerison Herb and Linda Jurist Ellen and Saul Kattleman Holly Katz and Bill Harris Diane Kavanaugh Black Keni and Carole Kent Frank Kiely Gordon and Judy Kilby Betsy Kindlon Donald Kitchen Chris Kolbay and Eileen Mahoney Joan and Victor Korenman Abbe and Steve Kovacik Karin Krasevac-Lenz and Douglas Lenz Joan Kuech Bobier Deborah Kulbako-Arnold and Richard Arnold Henry Labarba Sara and Nick Ladopoulos Richard and Rebecca Langer Mary Anne and Robert Lanni Roland and Alayna Lavigne

A Message from the Executive Director Dear Friends, In the beginning of 2015, I confessed to a fellow staff member that sometimes, when walking into the Urban Grow Center to start my day, I had to pinch myself just to make sure it was real. After 10 years of planning, fundraising, construction – and more fundraising – Capital Roots had finally created the space that would allow our programs to grow to their fullest capacity. And did they ever!

Support from donors, farmers, sponsors, and a dedicated corps of volunteers allowed our Squash Hunger program to rescue and deliver more than 80,000 pounds of produce to food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens. When we gleaned 10,000+ pounds of apples from Saratoga Apple, they were easily stored in one of our new walk-in coolers – to be distributed to emergency feeding programs in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Saratoga counties.

When we look at the impressive stats for Capital Roots’ food access programs in 2015, we look first to our Capital Campaign donors, whose generosity allowed this growth to occur.

Sales from our 16 Healthy Stores grew 66% in 2015, with more than 43 different kinds of items sold, thanks to our store owner partners, who order culturally appropriate fruits and vegetables for their patrons. This figure includes Capital Roots’ on-site Produce Market, which has found a lively customer base among our neighbors in North Central Troy. Our Virtual Veggie Mobile delivered 75,000 pounds of wholesale priced produce to childcare centers, Head Start programs, and food pantries, allowing 80 organizations that serve low-income families to double the amount of produce they served to their clients. Roughly 49% of the produce Capital Roots sold in 2015 was purchased year-round from local producers – an increase of 20% from 2014. Buying from local producers helps support our regional farm economy and reduces the environmental impact of our food purchases.

Our new location right off 787/Route 7 and on a central bus route allows community gardeners to easily access the free seeds, seedlings, and educational classes we offer them.

In 2015 we marked the opening of our 49th and 50th community gardens – in East Greenbush and on Ida Street in South Troy.

As I look back on the growth that characterized 2015 – and continues into 2016 – the Urban Grow Center no longer feels like an unbelievable dream. It is a realized dream – thanks to our generous donors and the incredible dedication of our staff and board – all of whom contributed to this project. If you have not already seen the Center in action, I hope you’ll stop by for a tour soon, to see what we have already accomplished – and to participate as we begin to envision the impact that Phase II of the Urban Grow Center will have.

With gratitude,

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Board, Staff & Volunteers Board of Directors Kim Hickok, President John Carl, Executive Vice-President Raymond Smith, Vice-President Cynthia Nixon, Treasurer Jean Gerbini, Secretary Ann Pfau and Deborah Bennett, At-Large Michael Whiteman, Immediate Past President ---

Kathy Beam Sharon Bedford Assie Bishop Mark Bryant Emily Cote Barbara Featherstonhaugh Ellen Flink

William Karchner David Krupski Eileen McCarthy Tom McGuire Wendy Meola Hannelore Passonno Rachel Hye Youn Rupright Kimberly Sanger Jones

Staff Members Amy Klein, Executive Director Danielle Marino, Garden Organizer Sharon DiLorenzo, Program Manager Marissa Peck, Food Assessment Coordinator Will Malcolm, Food Access Program Manager Tara Quackenbush, Community Gardens Program Manager Matthew Schueler, Grow Center Planner Wanda Rivera, Programs Assistant Jessica Trowbridge, Operations Manager Hannah Rosen, Healthy Stores Organizer --Abby Schumacher-Benoit, Events Coordinator Elizabeth Boyer, Food Hub Coordinator Amy Scott, Bookkeeper Audrey Bridge, Administrative Assistant Mari Shopsis, Development Coordinator Liz Burrichter, Squash Hunger/Outreach Coordinator Joel Stewart, Delivery Specialist Julia Cosgrove, Produce Project Farm Manager Emmett Stoffer, Mobile Market Assistant Katie Doyle, Educator James Surano, Mobile Market Assistant Brooklyn Esposito, Volunteer Coordinator Conor Vallee, Mobile Market Assistant Brent Irving, Healthy Communities Coordinator Kelsey Whalen, Mobile Market Coordinator Peter Jenkins, Produce Project Educator Rebecca Whalen, Communications and Development Manager

Volunteer Devotees Individuals Jaclyn Adler Shawn Allan Tim Bell Jennifer Bentsworth Bernardo Bigalli Jim Boswell Jeff Burrows Charles Buchanan Doug Burns Dorothy Cadet Jonathan Cassidy Laura Clapper Emma Cohen Seth Cohen Suzanne Conroy Kevin Cornils Nick Crounse Donna Dorsey Ann Dusza Tommi Evans

Priscilla Fairbank Olivia Fuller Olivia Gagliardi Carolyn George Eugiene Gleason Petra Hahn Emma Hearst Alane Hohenberg Chris Howard Jane Husson Rob Kietlinski Audrey Koester Krysia Kornecki Kimberly Kuster-Smith Anthony Lambrecht Eileen Lang Kersten Lorcher Ronda Lyons Mary Helena Mann Beth Manning Pauline Kamen Miller

1 | Capital Roots 2015 Annual Report

Alex Monticello Sonya Mulvihill Anne Nardacci Christine Nealon Rachel Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Jason Packer Hillary Papineau Bob Parsons Ralph F. Passonno Jr. Linda Passaretti Susan Poisson-Dollar Melanie Psota Mimsy Pye Dave Rhodes Diane Rivers Nancy Ross Lisa Roth Mark Rubenstein James Russell Kay Schlembach Perry Smith

Howard Stoner Katie Tiedemann Susan Troll Jamie Vaughn Dorsey Whitehead Grazia Yaeger Groups ARC of Rensselaer County ARC of Schenectady County Center for Disability Services Central Michigan University Living Resources Siena College Bonners Wildwood

David LaVoie Barbara Lawrence Dean and Liz Leith Megan Leitzinger John and Peggy Leon Susanna and Michael Lia Gary Lind and Ellen Kelly-Lind Thomas and Sandra Linendoll Donald Lipkin and Mary Bowen Karen Lipson and Alan Goldberg Meika Loe and Matt Alinger Kersten Lorcher and Sylvie Browne Katharine L. Lowe Thomas Mackey Jessica and Sean Mahar April Margarella Paul Maxwell Carmella A. Mazzotta Sara McCain Dr. James and Amy McDonnell Nancy McEwan John McFadden Chris McKenna Rance and Linda McKenna Peter and Donna Meixner David Merwitz Edward Miller and Laura Garrison Sandra Misiewicz Chris and Jill Monticello Shawn Morris and John Wellspeak Stephen and Mary Muller John and Pat Mulligan Joseph Murphy William Nechamen Ray Newkirk and Christy D'Ambrosio Tom Nitido and Wendy Saunders Mary Karen and Mike Noonan Jose Montiel Ochoa Noreen Ortiz Pilette Marcus Oselinsky Jason and Lisa Packer Diane Pancoski Margaret Paris Theresa and David Parry Audra and Randy Passonno Wendy Pattison and Bill Schroeder Jane Payne and Janice Stock Richard Peck and Vincent Gallerani Laura and Ken Perrault Michelle Phillips Debra Pigliavento and Don Edmans Kathryn and Joseph Pingelski Elizabeth Pohlmann and Harald Moore Dr. Richard Propp Harry and Elissa Prout Barbara and Peter Pryor Anne Putnam Lisa Queeney Dr. Lori and Don Quigley Judith Ratner Patricia Raup Sandra Ray James and Risa Reed Cheryl Reeves and Martha Schultz Pamela Rehak and Gary Toth Rhonda L. Reisner Timothy C. Reiss Priscilla Richards and Michael Fanning

Florence Richardson Rachel Riemann and Atsushi Akera Marion Roach Smith and Rex Smith Christina F. Roberts Steven and Janice Rocklin Elizabeth Rodriguez and Darren Scott Joan and Raymond Rogers-Harrington Katherine and Hugh Roome Dorcas and Kenneth Rose Mario and Brenda Rosenbaum Jennifer Rosenbaum and David Herman Paul Rosenberg Dominic and Alice Rotondi Thomas Rourke and Dorothy Howey Todd Rupright Colleen Ryan and Eric Hoppel Eve and Spencer Ryan Christina and Daniel Ryan Laury Saligman Elinor and Robert Sanger Katherine Satterlee Peter and Karin Savio James and Joan Savitt Amy Schallop and Lee Greenstein Kay and James Schlembach Nancy Sciocchetti Andrew M. Bailey Casey and Rachel Seiler Sheryl and Rick Seppa Robin and Jim Sevinsky JoAnn Sheikh and Dr. Farhan Sheikh Samantha and JP Shipherd Susan Shipherd and Jim Ferris David Shippee and Ann Volpel Cynthia and Herbert Shultz Kurt Sjoblom Brad and Susan Smi Edward and Kathy Spain Susan Stah-Cooper and Chris Cooper J. Spencer and Pat Standish Punkin Stephens and Lisa Tackley Carlton Stewart Charles and Pamela Stock Deborah and Alan Stock Mary Stock Howard and Margaret Stoner Meredith Streeter Dennis and Margaret Sullivan Ms. C. Andre Sullivan Michele Susko and Fardin Sanai George Tanner and Resa Siegel Tanner Phillip and Martha Teumim Frank and Liz Therrien Patty Thomma John and Valerie Thompson Catherine Townsend Ida Traschen Janet and Ned Trombly Terry and Dan Tyson Christine Urbano James Valentino Leonard and Patricia Valletta Lee Vaughan and Varada Pandya Vaughan Theresa Vaughan and David Cherubin Jamie Vaughn and Ben Larsen Richard and Jenny Vehlow Erica Veil and Peter Fox Pierrette Virkler

Joseph Visalli and Matie Flowers Gail Volk Dr. Richard Wagner Jane Wait Erin and Corey Walsh Beth Walsh and Chris Maier Edward Warren Enid Watsky Jessica Webster Dawn Stuart Weinraub Dorsey M. Whitehead Elizabeth and Wayne Willson Paul Winkeller and Victoria Balkoski Laura Witkowski Lianne and Ted Wladis Karen and John Wolner Darlene Yule Honorable Ken Zalewski and Mike Oliver Audrey Zibelman Lillian Zoda The Adirondack Trust Company AFLAC New York AJS Masonry Ale House Behan Communications Bethlehem Garden Club Brown's Brewing Co. Bryce Funeral Home DeFazio Imports Digital xPress Druthers Brewing Company Excelsior College G.A. Bove & Sons, Inc. Greenbush Tape and Label Groff Networks Hope 7 Community Center Hudson Valley Community College Kal-Harbour, Inc. Latham Medical Group Lori Schindler Realty Machnick Builders, Ltd. Matt's Music Together MKC Kitchen and Bath Modern Press Mountain Top Septic Muddaddy Flats Nine Pin Ciderworks Park Pub Restaurant & Catering Pastel & Rosen LLP Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce The Ruck Sand Lake Garden Club Saratoga Hospital St. Paul's Church in the City of Albany Stanley Paper Sunbelt Graphics Inc. Troy Police Benevolent Association Troy Web Consulting Veterans Business Council Von's Service Station Walter Pratt & Sons, Inc. William Fredette Painting

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594 River Street, Troy, NY 12180 Phone: 518-274-8685 | Fax: 518-272-2744 www.capitalroots.org | info@capitalroots.org