Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Returns

May 24, 2017 -- The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is back, and this year, it will reach 41 counties across the state. The goals of the program are to supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce and to support South Carolina's small farmers.

The program allows low income senior citizens -- age 60 and older -- to purchase fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community- supported agriculture programs. This year, the program that serves about 25,000 senior South Carolinians will run May to October 15.

Participants are awarded $25 in the form of five checks of $5 to spend at authorized farmers’ markets and stands. Checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. The SFMNP is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services and county Agencies on Aging.

To check times, dates, and locations, click here. Eligibility Process
1. Attend a distribution event
2. Complete the application
3. Provide proof of identity and residence in the county
4. Self-declare amount of household income
5. If eligible, participants receive the $25 benefit

Notes

• Checks are issued on a first-come, first-served basis and while supplies last
• $25 Benefit – (5) $5 checks per participant
• October 15 – participant’s last day to use the check
• Checks must be signed before use
• Checks are only accepted with authorized farmers’ and farmer markets
• Nutrition education will be provided

Individuals wishing to apply for homebound seniors must provide a statement from the senior granting permission to submit an application on their behalf. Proof of identity and proof of income for the homebound senior must be presented at the time of application.

Click here to view a listing of participating Counties. 

In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.