Farm-fresh veggies a hit with area seniors

[ Originally published on: Monday, September 24, 2007 ]

SUNDERLAND -- With a group shout of ''we loved them all!'' about 50 seniors voiced their approval of the organic vegetables they have received this summer.

In its third year, about 50 participants in the Senior Farm Share Program had a chance to tour Riverland Organic Farm, where much of their produce is grown. The program, which is sponsored by Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, provides free shares of vegetables for 10 to 12 weeks to seniors at 17 sites in Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties.

''I really like the program. It's hard to get fresh vegetables when you are on a fixed income,'' said Jerry Peters of Holyoke. Peters said that when she was young, she had plenty of farm experience and really appreciated it. ''I used to throw all those bales of hay around when I had more vinegar in me,'' said Peters with a laugh.

Seniors were treated to refreshments before taking a guided tour of a portion of the 18-acre farm on River Road. ''I love seeing their faces light up when I deliver the vegetables,'' said Robert Lynch, who leases Riverland Farm along with his partner, Meghan Arquin. ''It's a win-win situation. It's great for us and great for them.''

Riverland is one of 12 area farms that grow produce for the farm share program.

The program ensures that at least 325 low-income senior households throughout the valley have access to healthy fresh produce during the height of farming season.

''I've had squash for breakfast and squash for lunch,'' said Annie Mells of Springfield. Mells said that she loved the program and that it helped her not have to go to the store as often. Another senior, Carline Trett of Holyoke said that she's gotten to have vegetables she hasn't had in many years. ''Like kale -- I haven't had that since my grandmother made it.'' Trett, who moved recently from South Hadley, said that she used to have a garden of her own, but didn't grow organically. ''The organic produce has a much better taste,'' she said.

Riverland Farm has 95 ''shares'' that they maintain, some of which go to the Mason Square Senior Center in Springfield, the Holyoke Senior Center and the South Deerfield Senior Center. ''I do a little gardening at home, but it never comes out right,'' said Inez Campbell of Springfield. Campbell said she loved the program and was now able to include more vegetables in her diet.

CISA did a survey last year of the seniors participating in the program and found that 87 percent reported eating more vegetables as a direct result of the program.

''We get a lot of community support for this program,'' said Claire Morenon, assistant program director at CISA. Morenon added that an additional benefit of the program is it brings the seniors out to socialize, helping to break up isolation. ''It feeds them, provides a social function and gives farmers a steady source of income.''

Funding for the 2007 Farm Share program was provided by the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs, Bridge of Flowers, 10k Road Race, Greenfield Savings Bank, several church communities and private donations.

 

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