Maine’s FarmShare program receives more federal money

by Staff Star Herald
16 years ago

    AUGUSTA – Maine’s popular Senior FarmShare program has been awarded $120,000 in additional federal funds which will allow over 2,000 more low-income seniors to sign up for $50 of fresh, locally grown produce this season.     “Senior FarmShare has proven its worth over the past seven years. Not only does it provide seniors with nutritious fruits and vegetables, it provides farmers with a reliable income stream,” said Agriculture Commissioner Seth Bradstreet. “This is another measure of the Baldacci administration’s commitment to ensuring the food and fuel security of all Mainers and especially for our senior citizens.”
    More than 15,000 seniors and 145 farms participate in this program. Farmers offer arrangements based on where they are located and how they sell their produce. The list of participating farms is on the Web at: http://www.getrealmaine.com/connect/farmshare/senior.html. Seniors may also call their local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771 for help in identifying a farm.
    A farm’s offerings are indicated on the Web site, and the farmer will explain further when contacted by a senior. Agreements are signed between the farmer and the senior. To be eligible, people must be at least 60 years old, 55 for Native Americans, and have an individual income below $19,240 or $25,900 for a couple, who would each be eligible.
    Maine Senior FarmShare Program began in 2001 as part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service pilot program intended to increase access to fresh local produce for low-income seniors and to provide new markets for local farmers.
    The additional federal dollars will bring this year’s funding to nearly $1 million, the highest ever.
    “This has been so good for so many people,” Bradstreet said. “Congress did the right thing in the new Farm Bill when they provided permanent funding for it.”
    The Maine Senior FarmShare is a program of the Maine Department of Agriculture in partnership with the Office of Elder Services, Maine Cooperative Extension, the Maine Nutrition Network and others.