Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Returns to SC

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program
Returns to SC

May 14, 2020 -- The South Carolina Department of Social Services is pleased to announce the seasonal return of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP). SFMNP is a seasonal USDA grant program to provide eligible seniors with fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets and to increase awareness and use of community markets.

The program was piloted in 6 counties in 2001.  Since then the SFMNP has evolved, currently providing benefits to seniors in 42 counties. The program provides low-income seniors age 60 and older, in selected areas, with SFMNP checks that may be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local authorized farmers’ markets.

The Program runs from May through October 15th each year. SFMNP benefits are offered to each participant once a year on a first come first served basis.  Seniors must apply for benefits each year.

Steps to Receive Benefits:

Step 1: Potential recipients must submit an online application, in its entirety, to be eligible.  .

Step 2: Wait on eligibility determination, via email. 

Step 3: Follow instructions included in eligibility email to pick up SFMNP benefit(s). 

Step 4: Purchase fresh fruits & vegetables from authorized farmers.  

Senior Farmers Market - South Carolina Department of Social Services. Click HERE to apply online for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program.

, A listing of authorized farmers will be provided at pickup.  Eligible participants will receive 5 SFMNP checks worth $5.00 each; for a total benefit of $25.00 that can be used at participating farmers’ market to purchase fresh, locally grown produce.

For more information, contact Seandra Kelly at (803) 898–1760 or Seandra.Kelly@dss.sc.gov.

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.