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Over 100 shares still available to area low-income seniors
August 1, 2008
AUGUSTA– Reps. Lisa Miller, D-Somerville, Wendy Pieh, D-Bremen and Peter Rines D-Wiscasset, announced that additional federal funds have expanded access to the Maine Senior FarmShare program, which connects low-income seniors with nutritious, local, farm-fresh produce for free. Over 100 shares, which entitle seniors with up to $50 in free produce for the remainder of the growing season, are currently available at farms and farmers’ markets in Lincoln County.
“With the costs of food and fuel rising, this is a great way for individuals on a fixed income to get fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Pieh. “I encourage folks to look into this program.”
The shares entitle eligible seniors to approximately $50 worth of free produce for the remainder of the growing season. To qualify, seniors must be at least 60 years old or 55 if a Native American, a Maine resident, and either live independently with an individual yearly income of not more than $19,240 or have a combined yearly household income with a spouse or partner of not more than $25,900.
“This is an excellent way to provide healthy food to low income seniors and support our local farms,” said Miller. “I hope that eligible individuals will not pass up this opportunity.”
Seniors sign up with a participating farmer to arrange the selection of produce and the pick-up and delivery schedules. Farmers are prepaid by the Maine Department of Agriculture for the shares and must charge a price similar to or lower than they charge the general public. The program is funded through a permanent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“This is a win-win program for seniors and local farmers,” said Rines.
Farmers who choose to participate must offer at least five different types of produce each week throughout the 10-week growing season.
For more information, contact Rep. Miller at 549-7171, Rep. Pieh at 529-5747, Rep. Rines at 882-9794 or Senior Spectrum at 1-800-639-1553. Additional details on the program may be found at Maine Senior Farm Share.
Contact:
Rep. Lisa Miller, 549-7171
Rep. Wendy Pieh, 529-5747
Rep. Peter Rines, 882-9794
Travis Kennedy, Communications Director, 287-1433