South Carolina’s ‘Senior Market Nutrition Program’ returns

S.C. (WTOC) - The South Carolina Department of Social Services, or SCDSS, is bringing back the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program on June 1, offering eligible seniors checks to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at authorized farmers markets, roadside stands and mobile markets.

The seasonal program, funded through a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant, is designed to supplement the diets of low-income seniors while supporting local farmers.

Eligible participants will receive $50 in five paper checks worth $10 each, according to the agency.

To apply, seniors must go to a designated distribution site in the county where they live, complete an application and show photo identification. If approved, participants will receive the checks the same day. Applications will be accepted and checks distributed on a first-come, first-served basis within each county.

The program will be available in all 46 counties this year, SCDSS said, citing partnerships with senior-serving organizations and nonprofits. The agency also said it will continue working with Coastal Carolina National Bank to process payments.

Residents can find distribution locations by county through SCDSS’s program information.