why it matters

Maine continues to be the oldest state in the US, with a larger percentage of 65+ adults compared to its overall population than any other state (PRB's 2022 World Population Data Sheet, 2022). Maine is also the most rural state in the nation; half of our land is completely or nearly uninhabited; two of every three Mainers age 65+ live outside an urban area (America's Health Rankings, 2023). Although there are many advantages to rural living, people with lower incomes or who no longer drive may face challenges getting healthy, fresh, affordable food in their own or a neighboring community. Overall, Maine has more food-insecure older residents than the U.S. average. In 2020 (the most recent data we have), about 38,000 experienced food insecurity and 54,000 faced the threat of hunger. While food security is just one component in the health services and community supports domain, it is a fundamental and basic human need.

Throughout Maine, Lifelong Communities are working together to improve overall health and increase the resources available to their residents. Through local partnerships, foundation funding, AARP grants, support from local farms, community centers, churches, libraries, and grassroots networks of volunteers, Maine's Lifelong Communities are building on the strengths in their community and taking action to address food security for all of their residents. The Lifelong Maine Food Security Checklist can help your team identify local resources and form an approach to food security that fits your community.

Six communities were interviewed to learn more about the work they are doing to promote food security. Read on for a summary of the approaches developed in South Portland, Berwick, Danforth, Georgetown, Limestone, South Portland, and Sullivan. After reading their work, click on the "Call to Action" links for ideas that you can use in your community.

Note: Below, and throughout our site, underlined text indicates a live link.

Limestone: Many Paths to Engage the Community in Food Security

• Purple Ladle Program

  • • Free meal program, overseen by Limestone United Methodist Church 

    • Baked goods and produce are donated

    • 64 individuals received meals in 2023

    • Over 30,000 meals have been created since the program started in 2020 

    • Meals delivered by volunteers

• Patio Garden Project

  • • Garden party with grant-funded seeds, plants, and dirt - pails were donated 

    • Gathering in the garden to learn about growing vegetables

    • 22 people joined in the fun in 2022

• Northern Light Health and The Maine School of Science and Mathematics Initiative

  • • Northern Light Healthcare supplies gardening materials: seeds, pots, and dirt 

    • The school has an outdoor learning program focused on sustainability 

    • The goal is to create an intergenerational program that brings community members and students together to maintain the farm

Hint from the field: 

The Age-Friendly leaders in Limestone get programs started, running smoothly, and then pass them off to local groups/organizations to continue the work.

Sullivan: Partner, Create, and Share

• Partner with Regional and State-Wide Organizations to Increase Awareness and Access of Residents

  • • Outreach for Meals on Wheels program 

    • Attend community health and wellness fairs

    • Commodity food boxes are delivered to older residents

    • Promote availability of the senior farm share program

• Community Garden, "Take it Or Leave it Table"

  • • Community garden at the town office was started by Age-Friendly Sullivan four years ago

    • Raised beds that people can rent for their own use and/or commit to working on the garden for everyone else

    • In 2023, added hoop house

    • All community produce is available at a "Take it or leave it" table in the town office. Home gardeners and organic farmers also contribute to the table

• Backpack Program

  • • Three families per week at the K-5 school receive a backpack filled with food

Hint from the field: 

The Age-Friendly leaders in Sullivan are proud to share that every project that they have ever started, continues, through community collaboration.

South Portland: Maine Senior Farm Share Program +

• Age-Friendly South Portland matches the Senior Farm Share stipend from the Maine Dept. of Agriculture for eligible residents

• Program has run for 3 years, 25 people were served last year 

• Collaboration between Maine Dept. of Agriculture and Alewives Farm 

• Additional funding comes from grants

• Currently working with local food cupboard to get them on the municipal bus route for increased access

Hint from the field: 

Age-Friendly South Portland leaders utilize current state-funded programs, grants, and, partnerships with local farms to provide locally grown, fresh produce to older residents who qualify for the Senior Farm Share Program--a win for farmers and for the people who benefit.

Call to Action: Address food insecurity in your community!