April 7, 2026
For nearly 25 years, NOFA-VT has partnered with the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL) to administer the Senior Farm Share Program, a federally-funded nutrition program that helps limited-income seniors access fresh produce. Through partnerships with twenty Vermont farms, over 1,000 seniors living in nearly 90 housing sites receive a small CSA share—valued at $50 per participant— for part of the summer. The cost is fully covered by federal funds and paid directly to the farms.
Beyond providing fresh produce, the program fosters connection. Seniors can enjoy the company of their neighbors during distribution, learn ways to cook and preserve produce, and develop or deepen relationships with the farmers who grow their food.
This program also relies heavily on collaboration. Each spring, NOFA-VT staff process applications, check eligibility, and connect housing site coordinators—often a Vermont Support and Services at Home (SASH) representative or resident service coordinators—with farmers to finalize distribution logistics. While the budget per share is set, the program offers flexibility in the dates and number of distribution weeks, delivery method, and how residents receive their produce (e.g., a pre-bagged share versus selecting items at a market-style set-up in a community room at their place of residence). This customization allows both farmers and site coordinators to tailor the program to the participants’ needs.
After each season, we survey coordinators and farmers to gather feedback on the program’s logistics and impact. Common themes that emerge include increased access to fresh produce, healthier diets, improved food security, and more opportunities for physical activity and social connection. Coordinators note:
- “The residents really look forward to the fresh fruits and vegetables. Most of them are waiting for me at the door or in the community room when I do the delivery.”
- “Most of my residents have transportation challenges. Having access to fresh vegetables delivered to their door improved food access and community connection.”
- “We do visually see lowering blood pressures and improved activity with [the help of the program]!”
- “Senior Farm Share is often the only fresh produce some of our residents consume. It encourages them to try new vegetables, take advantage of fresh produce at food shelves, and consider securing community garden space at their housing sites.”
Our staff visited several participating farms last summer—Birdsong Farm in Stockbridge, Evening Song Farm in Cuttingsville, and Boardman Hill Farm in West Rutland— and the resulting conversations highlighted the program’s value from the farmers’ perspective. Each farmer described it as simple to administer, aligned with their community-driven values, and a valued source of additional income without the burden of additional labor. Kara Fitzbeauchamp of Evening Song Farm called it a “cherry on top.” Farmers noted that the $50-per-participant cap, a federal limitation, is a barrier; with more funding, they could provide more meaningful amounts of produce or extend the season.
Greg Cox of Boardman Hill Farm has taken part in the Senior Farm Share Program for as long as he can remember. He emphasized the program’s deeper purpose: “This isn’t a giveaway. This is repaying people.” By catering to participants’ preferences and treating them with respect, the program empowers seniors to access healthy, local food while fostering community.
Another year of the Senior Farm Share Program is coming up! Interested in applying? Applications will open in late April and can be found on our Senior Farm Share Program webpage.