Editor,

One of the things I appreciate most about living in our area, besides great neighbors, is the abundance of small family farms and farm markets. While going to the grocery store might be convenient, there’s nothing like fresh tomatoes, cukes, and corn to complete a late summer supper. And knowing that you’re supporting a local family farm makes it taste even better.

I was surprised to learn a few weeks ago that the Maine Senior Farmshare program still had shares available for seniors throughout the state. This program, a partnership between the Maine Department of Agriculture, Office of Elder Services, and local Maine farmers allows low- and fixed-income people who are aged 60 and older to receive up to $50 in fresh produce from participating farmers throughout the growing season.

While some farms have the produce available to seniors to pick up at farmers’ markets, others will arrange for delivery or alternate pick-up locations.

Typically, seniors apply for farmshares in the spring, but this year, there is a surplus of shares left over for seniors to access during the remainder of the 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 $18,889 or have a combined yearly household income with a spouse or partner of not more than $25,327.

The Senior Farmshare program was established as a way to connect seniors with healthful, nutritious local produce. Seniors must be deemed income eligible to receive their $50 in shares, then sign up with a participating farmer to arrange the types of produce needed and the pick-up and delivery schedules. Farmers are prepaid by the Maine Department of Agriculture, and the program is funded through a permanent grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farms who choose to participate must offer at least five different types of produce each week throughout a 10 week growing season. They also offer the fruits and vegetables at the same price or a lower cost than they charge to the general public.

While there aren’t any farmers from Gray or Windham directly participating in Senior Farmshare this year, there are a few in Cumberland County, and several in northern York County in the Buxton area.

This program is a great opportunity for local seniors, and the farmers who participate are doing a wonderful service for the elderly in Maine. To learn more about applying for farmshares, contact the Southern Maine Agency on Aging at 1-800-427-7411. If I can provide any assistance or information on other senior programs or any state matter, please feel free to call me at home at 892-6591, or e-mail me at RepMarkBryant@yahoo.com.

Rep. Mark Bryant

Windham