Eligible S.C. seniors to recieve money to spend on fresh produce

(Image: Department of Social Services logo)

(Image: Department of Social Services logo)

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– Eligible seniors will start receiving checks to purchase fruits and vegetables from local area farmers’ markets and roadside stands on Saturday.

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program returns on Saturday, June 1.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture grant program is aimed at assisting low-income older people obtain fresh nutritious produce while supporting South Carolina farmers.

For 2024, participants will receive $50 in the form of five checks which will be $10 each to spend at participating authorized locations.

To qualify, South Carolina residents must be 60 or older with a yearly income of $26,973 or less. For two people, the yearly income is $36,482 or less.

Seniors who qualify must visit a designated location in their county of residence, complete an application and present photo identification to participate.

If approved, an individual will receive their checks the same day.

The nutrition program is available in 46 counties and it began in 2001 as a six-county pilot project.

To find a local distribution center by county, click here. The list of authorized farmers’ markets can be found here.

For more information about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program please click here.