DSS to hold senior produce vouchers distribution event in Richland County

Courtesy SC DSS press release

Department of Social Services

RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. (WOLO)– The South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) will hold a special voucher distribution event for the 2024 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) on Monday.

According to DSS, on Monday, August 19, staff will distribute vouchers to eligible senior citizens at the Killian Park Gym located at 1424 Marthan Road in Blythewood from 10 a.m. to.         1 p.m.

Residents of all 46 counties are welcome for the one-time distribution.

If approved, DSS says eligible participants will receive $50 in the form of five checks ($10 each) to spend at participating authorized locations.

To qualify, residents must be age 60 or older with a yearly income of $26,973 or less ($36,482 for 2 people), report their household size (jointly or separately), and have a legal form of identification.

Applications will be accepted on-site and produce vouchers will be given instantly with an approved application.

DSS says SFMNP is designed to help supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, and nutritious produce while supporting South Carolina’s local farmers.

The seasonal USDA grant program allows qualifying individuals to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs.

The deadline to redeem the vouchers for the 2024 season is October 15 as they do not carry over from year to year.

For a list of authorized farmers’ markets, click here, and for more information about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program click here.