Among the casualties of the devastating cuts in the fiscal 2010 state budget was a local program that provided fresh, local produce to low-income seniors.
The Senior FarmShare program, established by Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture in 2004, has provided food from local farms to about 300 seniors in the Valley. Recipients received the food weekly through the growing season. "In addition to ensuring fresh, healthy foods in senior diets, the Senior FarmShare Program provides farmers with reliable income and builds stronger ties between farmers and the community," CISA noted in a press release last week.
Last year, the program received $25,000 in state funding, just half of what it had received the previous fiscal year. In the new budget, the funding was completely eliminated—leaving the program at risk of ending unless private donors step up within the next eight weeks to replace the lost state funds, CISA says.
"Despite the loss of funds, we want to keep the embers alive until the state can once again help fund the program," said Phil Korman, CISA's executive director.
In the past, the SeniorFarm Share program has received financial support from local churches, foundations and businesses, CISA says. The non-profit is hoping individual donors will also step up in support. Contributions can be made at CISA's website, www.buylocalfood.org, or by check to: CISA, 1 Sugarloaf St., South Deerfield, Mass. 01373. For more information, see the website or call 413-665-7100.
