Program to gives elderly access to fruits, vegetables

Athol Daily News, May 16, 2018.

CISA’s Senior FarmShare program is offering low-income seniors access to low-cost, fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables this year at the height of growing season.

The application period lasts until June 1.

Eligible seniors can apply to participate at one of 13 distribution centers throughout the Pioneer Valley, including in Athol. Participants will be chosen by lottery when the application period ends. The program is based on the CSA model, which means participants receive a “share” of produce delivered weekly by a local farm for pickup at a set time and location.

Participants will pay a $10 cost share and receive $125 in produce. The program runs for 10 weeks beginning in July.

Eligible seniors must be over the age of 60 and have an income below $24,280, or a total household income below $32,920.

To find contact information for each delivery and pickup site, call CISA’s Brian Snell at 413-665-7100 or click here.