Applications now open for Senior Farmshares program

Date: 5/4/2017

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Applications are now open for the Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture’s (CISA) annual discounted Senior Farmshares. 

  This summer program, which has been available by lottery to low-income individuals 60 years of age and older since 2004, provides elders with a weekly box of locally grown fruits and vegetables for a one-time cost of just $10.  Brian Snell, communications coordinator for CISA, said the non-profit organization picks up the remaining $125 seasonal cost per farmshare for the individuals selected for the program. He added the program traditionally begins in early July and runs for 10 weeks.

“We really feel fortunate as an organization that we are able to offer this every year, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it, “ Snell said.

Locally, the Holyoke Senior Center will have 60 Senior Farmshares available this growing season, and the Chicopee Senior Center will have 45 farmshares.

In Springfield, 120 farmshares will be divided between three different locations: the Mason Square Senior Center will have 50 shares, the Urban League will have 45 shares and Gardening un the Community, located on Hancock St., will have 25 shares available at their location.  

Individuals will receive their “share” at a set pick-up time at each location.

The criteria to apply for a Senior Farmshare is as follows: individuals must be 60 years of age or older, and their annual income cannot exceed $23,760 for an individual or $32,040 for a household. Shares at each location are assigned by lottery from all applications received.

Snell said interested individuals should contact the senior center in their community for an application, which must be submitted by June 1.  

According to information provided by CISA, the organization expects to distribute more than $50,000 in locally grown produce to 420 low-income seniors throughout Hampden and Hampshire counties this growing season. The Senior Farmshares program is also available in Athol, Charlemont, Greenfield, Turners Falls, Shelburne Falls, Chesterfield and Huntington.