Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program returns to tri-county area next month

This year's Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program begins June 1.

SFMNP, one of the most popular annual programs offered at South Carolina Department of Social Services, is designed to help supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce while supporting South Carolina's local farmers.

This seasonal U.S. Department of Agriculture grant program allows qualifying individuals to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands and authorized mobile markets.

For 2026, eligible participants will receive $50 in the form of five paper checks ($10 each) to spend at participating authorized locations. Qualified seniors will need to visit a designated location in their county of residence and complete an application and present photo identification to participate. If approved, the qualified senior will receive their checks the same day. Applications will be accepted, and checks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in the senior's county of residence.

To qualify, South Carolina residents must be age 60 or older with a yearly income of $28,953 or less ($39,128 for a household of two), report their household size (jointly or separately) and have a legal form of identification.

SFMNP is available in all 46 counties this year thanks in part to SCDSS' commitment to community partnerships and collaboration with senior-serving organizations and nonprofits throughout the state. SCDSS is continuing the partnership with Coastal Carolina National Bank to process the payments for the program. SCDSS appreciates CCNB for its support and partnership in helping to serve seniors and families.

SFMNP is administered by South Carolina Department of Social Services. For more information, contact Willie Nixon at (803) 898-1760 or email SFMNP-Applications@dss.sc.gov.

Dates of distribution in the tri-county area are:

Sumter

- Wednesday, June 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sumter County Civic Center, 700 W. Liberty St.

- Thursday, June 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shiloh Community Center, 475 Pudding Swamp Road, Lynchburg

- Monday, June 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sumter Senior Services Inc., 119 S. Sumter St.

- Tuesday, June 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Delaine Community Center, 5400 Cane Savannah Road, Wedgefield

- Wednesday, June 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Rafting Creek Community Center, 4050 Highway 261 North, Rembert

Lee

- Wednesday, June 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, 714 Camden Highway, Bishopville

Clarendon

- Monday, June 8, 9 a.m. until gone, Abundant Life Resource Center, 13368 U.S. 301, Gable

- Tuesday, June 9, 9 a.m. until gone, Paxville Senior Center, 10183 Lewis Road, Manning

- Wednesday, June 10, 9 a.m. until gone, Summerton Senior Center, 1154 4th St., Summerton