Farmer Information

The list of 2013 participating FarmShare farms is in the box to the right on this page.

Information for Seniors 

Eligibility Requirements:

To participate in the Maine Senior FarmShare Program you must:

Be a Maine resident, 60 years old or older (55 if Native American)  

AND

Meet the 2013 income guidelines below:

Maximum of $21,257/per year for a one-person household; or

Maximum of $28,694/per year for a two-person household

If you are uncertain about your eligibility to participate in the Maine Senior FarmShare Program, you should contact the Area Agency on Aging by calling the ELDERS-1 toll-free number at 1-877-353-3771. 

   BENEFITS OF FARMSHARE: 

Participants in the Senior FarmShare Program are entitled to receive a FarmShare ($50 worth) of first quality, fresh, local produce from a Maine farm for a core 8-week period during the growing season. The variety of produce and supply method will vary depending on the farm you choose.  

   HOW AND WHEN TO SIGN UP:

Seniors sign up directly with a participating farmer each year during March and April.  Please see the participating farmers list. Please do not assume that you are automatically signed up if you participated in a prior year. You may choose a different farmer each year, but you can only sign up with one farmer per year.

The number of seniors who qualify for Senior FarmShare significantly outnumbers the number of FarmShares available for distribution. You can ask to be put on a waiting list if the farm you contact has filled all of their FarmShares. Please understand that meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee you a FarmShare.

You are not officially signed up until you complete and sign an agreement with a farmer. These forms are available to the farmers in March. It is the senior's responsibility to contact a local farmer to sign up. Either you can use the participating farmers list or you can contact the Area Agency on Aging for assistance by calling the ELDERS-1 toll free number at 1-877-353-3771.

    SENIOR RESPONSIBILITIES

You are signing an agreement with a farmer to use your entire FarmShare by the date the farmer sets. Only sign up for a FarmShare if you are fairly certain you will be able to use the entire $50 amount. You must let the farmer know if you will not use your entire $50 FarmShare.

Things you should consider when signing up with a farmer:

• Does the farm grow fruits and vegetables that you enjoy?

• Are you required to go pick up your produce from the farm, or does the farmer deliver to you?

• If you have to pick up your produce, do you have transportation to get to the farm enough times over the 8-week season to use your full $50 FarmShare?

• Is the place where you have to pick up your produce close enough to your home?

• Do you choose what you will receive or does the farmer choose for you? (This will be explained by the farmer and written on the agreement form.)

      RECIPES/BENEFITS OF FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES:

The benefits of eating more fruits and vegetables are plentiful!  For specific information on the nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables and for recipes click on the links below:

Office of Elder Services: www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/nutrition

Fruits and Veggies Matters: www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov

Recipe Source: www.recipesource.com

    SEASONAL AVAILABILITY OF PRODUCE IN MAINE:

 Different farms participating in the Senior FarmShare program offer different types of fruits and vegetables. You should check with the farmer before signing up to be sure the farm's offerings will meet your needs. The fruits and vegetables will be available at different times during the growing season. Since the FarmShare program only includes Maine-grown produce, you should realize that you will not receive items such as bananas, oranges, lemons, and other tropical fruits.

  ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO LOW-INCOME SENIORS:

 Seniors that qualify for Senior FarmShare may also qualify for other benefits. Contact the Area Agency on Aging by calling the ELDERS-1 toll free number at 1-877-353-3771 regarding other benefit opportunities, or do a self-assessment test online: http://www.benefitscheckup.org

These benefits may include:

• Maine Rx Plus

• Low Cost Drug Program

• Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

• Food Supplement Program

• Medicare Savings Program

• MaineCare

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Other Maine Resources:

Prescription Drug Assistance: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/medbook.htm

Maine’s Office of Elder Services: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas

Cooperative Extension Food and Health Publications: http://extensionpubs.umext.maine.edu/ePOS/form=cat.html&cat=8&store=413

   CONTACT INFORMATION:

 If you have any questions or concerns that your farmer is unable to answer, please contact the Area Agency on Aging by calling the ELDERS-1 toll free number at 1-877-353-3771.