 The enrollment process for the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Maine Senior FarmShare Program (MSFP) has opened for the year. The program allows low-income older adults to receive up to a $50 share of fresh, local produce directly from Maine farmers at no cost. Eligible participants can sign up directly with one of more than 100 farms in all 16 counties that are authorized to participate. The program is on a first come, first served basis – those who sign up will be placed on a waiting list if their preferred farm is full. To participate, Maine residents must be aged 60 or older – or aged 55 or older for Native Americans – and meet income eligibility guidelines. Participants must re-enroll yearly and may only sign up with one farm annually. Those who are interested in participating can fill out an online form for more information and an interactive map is also available online that identifies participating farms. Eligible adults can also call their Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771. DACF’s other program for seniors, the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), known colloquially as the Senior Brown Bags or Senior Boxes, is another federal program to help improve the health of low-income elderly Mainers. DACF collaborates with organizations statewide to supplement the nutrition of about 8,000 seniors through the program. Each food box, valued at $50 and freely available to eligible seniors, contains a variety of canned fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, pasta, rice, peanut butter, juice, shelf-stable milk, cereals, and cheese. Participating seniors pick up their boxes at a designated time and place each month. Seniors need only be aged 60 and older, live in Maine and meet income guidelines. To apply, view the list of supporting agencies and contact the one serving your county. For more information about the CSFP program, visit the program’s website. |
