Staff Report
The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program aims to supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce while supporting local South Carolina farmers. This seasonal USDA grant program allows eligible individuals to purchase raw fruits and vegetables from accredited farmers markets, roadside stands and Community Supported Agriculture programs. This year’s program begins June 1.
In 2024, eligible participants will receive $50 in the form of five checks ($10 each) to be used at participating certified locations. Eligible seniors must visit a designated location in their county of residence, complete an application and provide photo identification. If approved, eligible seniors 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 no online application.
To qualify, South Carolina residents must be 60 or older, earn $26,973 or less per year ($36,482 for two people), report the number of people in their household (joint or separate) and have legal identification.
To be eligible, you must submit an application and meet residency and income requirements. Do not show up to an SFMNP site on your county’s distribution day without proof of identification.
The SFMNP is available in all 46 counties in South Carolina this year. SCDSS continues to partner with Coastal Carolina National Bank (CCNB) to process payments for the program. The SFMNP is administered by the South Carolina Department of Human 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
Regional certified distribution center for the three-county area
In Clarendon County, call Kiz Everette at (803) 435-8593.
– June 10, 9 a.m. to 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
If you live in Lee County, call Laurie Watkins at (803) 483-6201.
– June 22, 9:30 a.m. until exhausted, Chapel Park, 397 Chapel Drive, Bishopville.
In Sumter, call Gayle Wilson at (803) 773-5508.
– June 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until sold out), Delaine Community Center, 5400 Cane Savannah Road, Wedgefield.
– June 13, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or until sold out), Shiloh Community Center, 475 Pudding Swamp Road, Lynchburg.
– June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (or while supplies last), Sumter Senior Services, 119 S. Sumter St.
You can find certified farmers at https://tinyurl.com/msvxehwx.
To see which markets are participating in the program, visit https://gis.dhec.sc.gov/farmersMarkets .
