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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Chris Sady, MS, RD¹, Deanne Herman², Jigna Dharod, PhD¹, and Judythe Gatchell, MS, RD, LD¹. (1) Maine Nutrition Network, Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine, 295 Water St., Augusta, ME 04330, 207-626-5242, csady@usm.maine.edu, (2) Maine Department of Agriculture, 28 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333

Maine's Senior FarmShare Program provides locally grown produce to low-income seniors through a community supported agriculture (CSA) model that maximizes benefits to both local farmers and seniors. During the pilot program's fifth year (2005) Maine farmers provided fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs directly to 7,500 low-income seniors. There are many unique aspects of Maine's program that have contributed to its resounding success: use of the CSA share model in which farms are prepaid in the spring for produce they commit to provide later in the season; relatively large individual benefit level of $100 intended to make a real difference in seniors' diets; no coupons or associated banking fees; use of technology for administrative efficiency; farmer accountability; and program flexibility. Depending on what farmers offer, seniors may select their own produce or receive a pre-packaged selection from the farmer, and they may pick up their produce at the farm, farm stand or farmers' market or have it delivered. Results of the 2001-2005 senior survey (over 5,000 participating seniors responded in 2005) showed that nearly 93% of seniors ate more fruits and vegetables due to the program, and 60% of the respondents reported canning or freezing for later consumption. FarmShare provided a ‘predictable market' for farmers with 40% of farmers reporting increased crop plantings. The development and execution of this successful and innovative program model was possible because the USDA pilot program (funded in the 2002 Farm Bill) encouraged innovation.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the steps used to develop the Maine Senior FarmShare program.
• Discuss the componenets of the Maine Senior FarmShare Program.
• Recognize the impact of the Maine Senior FarmShare program on seniors and farmers.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Any relevant financial relationships? No

Recorded presentation