Qualifying seniors can receive the money through Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, beginning June 1
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Everyone’s diet benefits from the addition of fresh fruits and vegetables. In South Carolina, we are lucky that there is an abundance of farmers markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs (CSAs) where fresh-from-the-farm produce is readily available.
To make sure that folks in the community can have easier access to fresh produce, South Carolina Department of Social Services’ Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) returns on Saturday, June 1, 2024. Through this program, eligible seniors will receive $50 in the form of five $10 checks to spend at participating authorized locations. According to DSS, potential recipients must visit a designated location within their county of residence, bring a photo ID with them, complete an application and meet residency and income requirements. The main qualifying factors are:
be a South Carolina resident
be aged 60 or older
have a yearly income of $26,973 or less ($36,482 for two people)
report their household size
have a legal form of identification
Applicants that meet all of the requirements can get a check issued that same day.
SFMNP is available in all 46 counties in South Carolina. To find the designated location for qualification, see the list here. Call ahead for an appointment, hours and days open vary depending on the location.
In Lexington County, contact Cindye Richburg Cotton, Rev. Nicky Wilson or Mardell Whyte, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., June 5-7 at Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, 1218 Batchelor St., West Columbia, 803-744-7943
In Richland County, contact Mekia Burgess, 803-903-2047, 9 a.m.-until at the following locations and dates: Grace United Methodist Church, 410 Harbison Blvd., June 3; Caughman Road Park, 2733 Trotter Rd., Hopkins, June 4; Killian Park Rec Center, 1421 Marthan Rd, Blythewood, June 5; Zion Canaan Baptist Church, 7820 Farrow Rd., June 6
DSS Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program begins June1, 2024
