WABI • May 12, 2025
Mainers will soon start heading to farm stands for fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs and more. But for those on a fixed income, local produce may be considered a luxury. Ben Nelson is the fifth generation owner of Calkins Farm Stand in Hampden. It was the previous owner, his uncle who decided to start participating in the Maine Senior FarmShare program. “I think the first year we only had 20 shares or so, maybe,” recalls Nelson. “And now, we do a few hundred.” “It’s a revenue stream for farmers and it gets the best, healthiest produce to seniors,” says Craig Lapine, of the Bureau Agriculture, Food & Rural Resources. Through the Maine Senior FarmShare program, eligible Maine seniors are able to receive $50 worth of local produce annualy at no cost from Maine farmers during the growing season. 79 farms are providing fresh Maine produce directly to participants through the program this year, according to Joanna Tarrazi, Maine Senior FarmShare Program Manager. “Additionally, our partnership with the Maine Federation of Farmer’s Markets includes many additional farms that are providing produce to participants through our farmers’ market program." This year, 22 farmers’ markets are participating.