Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program returns to tri-county June 1

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program is designed to help supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce while supporting South Carolina's local farmers. This seasonal USDA grant program allows qualifying individuals to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs. This year's program begins June 1.

For 2024, eligible participants will receive $50 in the form of five checks ($10 each) to spend at participating authorized locations. Qualified seniors will need to visit a designated location in their county of residence, 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. There is not an online application.

To qualify, South Carolina residents must be age 60 or older with a yearly income of $26,973 or less ($36,482 for two people), report their household size (jointly or separately) and have a legal form of identification.

Potential recipients must submit an application and meet the residency and income requirement to be eligible. Please do not arrive at the SFMNP site on the date of distribution for your county without having proof of identification.

SFMNP is available in all 46 counties of South Carolina this year. SCDSS is continuing the partnership with Coastal Carolina National Bank (CCNB) to process the payments for the program. The SFMNP is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services.

For more information, contact Willie Nixon at (803) 898-1760 or email SFMNP-Applications@dss.sc.gov.

For more information about the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, visit https://tinyurl.com/2p984svs.

Local authorized distribution centers in the tri-county area

In Clarendon County, call Kiz Everette at (803) 435-8593.

- June 10, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Turbeville Town Hall, 1400 Main St.,Turbeville

- June 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Paxville Senior Center, 10183 Lewis Road, Manning

- June 12, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Summerton Senior Center, 1154 4th St., Summerton

- June 13, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Vision By Design Inc., 206 S. Church St., Manning

In Lee County, call Laurie Watkins at (803) 483-6201.

- June 22, 9:30 a.m. until exhausted, Chappell Park, 397 Chappell Drive, Bishopville

In Sumter, call Gail Wilson at (803) 773-5508.

- June 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until gone), Delaine Community Center, 5400 Cane Savannah Road, Wedgefield

- June 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until gone), Shiloh Community Center, 475 Pudding Swamp Road, Lynchburg

- June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until gone), Sumter Senior Services, 119 S. Sumter St.

Authorized farmers can be viewed at https://tinyurl.com/msvxehwx.

To see markets that participate in the program, visit https://gis.dhec.sc.gov/farmersMarkets.