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Maine Senior FarmShare
Information for Seniors

Information for 2008

Eligibility Requirements for 2008

In order to participate, you must...

• be 60 or over in years (55 if Native American),
• be a Maine resident,
• not live in the same house as the farmer,
• not be an immediate family member of the farmer,

...and meet one of the following criteria:

• Live alone and your yearly income is below $19,240.00
• Have a combined yearly income (with a spouse/partner) below $25,900.00

...or you have established eligibility in one of the following:

• MaineCare
• Supplemental Security Income
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Low Income Drug Program

If you are uncertain about your eligibility to participate in Maine Senior FarmShare, you should contact your local area agency on aging by calling the ELDERS-1 toll-free number at 1-877-353-3771.

BENEFITS OF FARMSHARE:

As a participant in the program, you are qualified to receive a free share ($50 worth) of first-quality, fresh, local produce from a Maine farm for 10 weeks during the growing season. The variety of produce and method of delivery/pick-up will vary depending on which farm you choose to sign up with.

HOW AND WHEN TO SIGN UP:

Sign up takes place during March and April each year directly with a participating farmer. The participating farmers' list for 2008 is available.

Seniors must sign up each year with a farmer. Please do not assume that you are automatically signed up if you participated in a prior year. You may choose a different farmer from year to year, but you can only sign up with one farmer for one share in one program year.

The number of seniors who qualify for the Senior FarmShare program significantly outnumbers the number of shares available for distribution. If the farm you contact has filled all of their shares, you may ask to be put on a waiting list. Please understand that meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee you a share.

You are not officially signed up until you complete and sign the agreement form given to you by the farmer. These forms will be available to the farmers in March. It is your responsibility to directly contact a local farmer to sign up. You can either use the participating farmer list when it is available (March), or you can contact your local area agency on aging by calling the ELDERS-1 toll free number at 1-877-353-3771 to assist you.

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SENIOR RESPONSIBILITIES

You are signing an agreement with a farmer to use your entire share by the date the farmer sets. Only sign up for a share if you are fairly certain you will be able to use all of it. You must let the farmer know if your share will not be used. If you cannot or do not use your full share, the farmer has to provide produce for which he has been paid by signing up another senior.

Things you should consider when signing up with a farmer:

• Does the farm grow fruits and vegetables that you like to eat?
  
• Are you required in the agreement to go pick up 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 10 week season to use up your $50 share?
  
• Is the place where you have to pick up your produce too far away from your home?
  
• Do you choose what you will receive every week, or does the farmer choose for you? (This will be explained by the farmer and written on the agreement form.)
  

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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:

Maine Nutrition Network: www.maine-nutrition.org/
Office of Elder Services: www.maine.gov/dhhs/beas/nutrition/
Fruits and Veggies Matters: www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/
Recipe Source: www.recipesource.com

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SEASONAL AVAILABILITY OF PRODUCE IN MAINE:

Different farms participating in the Maine 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. Please check the Seasonal Availability Chart of Maine Vegetables and Fruits for more information.

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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO LOW-INCOME SENIORS:

Seniors that qualify for Maine Senior FarmShare may also qualify for other benefits. Contact your local 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 Stamps
  
• 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
Energy Conservation Tips and Heating Assistance: http://www.bundlemeup.org/

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CONTACT INFORMATION:

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

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