As we approach peak season, South Carolina’s homegrown fruits and vegetables are becoming increasingly delicious. The state is known for its wide variety of fresh produce, and now is the perfect time to enjoy them.
As a new month begins, an eagerly awaited program is back to assist senior citizens in South Carolina to obtain fresh produce.
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program has officially begun in all 46 counties across South Carolina since June 1.
Connelly-Anne Ragley, responsible for the program under the South Carolina Department of Social Services, believes that incorporating healthy foods in everyone’s diet, from children to senior citizens, can greatly impact their health and longevity.
South Carolinians aged 60 and above, who have an individual income of $26,973 or less annually, or $36,482 for two people, can avail five vouchers, each worth $10, through this program.
More than 2,000 participating markets across the state offer an opportunity for individuals to purchase fresh produce using these vouchers.
Ragley stated that their organization collaborates with nonprofits and senior-serving organizations, such as community centers, Meals on Wheels distribution sites, and offices on aging, to distribute vouchers to low-income senior citizens.
You can now get these vouchers on a first-come, first-served basis and they must be redeemed by October.
Ragley urged senior citizens who are eligible to receive vouchers to use them before October 2024. He emphasized that it is important to redeem the certificates before the deadline to prevent a reduction in the number of vouchers for distribution in the future. The state may be penalized by the federal government for not redeeming the certificates on time. Hence, Ragley encouraged the senior citizens to avail of the vouchers and spend them wisely.
According to DSS, approximately 24,000 seniors are served every summer through this program, which also provides an advantage to farmers in South Carolina.
According to Ragley, the vouchers are only valid for buying items that are grown in South Carolina. This stipulation benefits both the farmers who participate in selling their crops and the senior citizens who use the vouchers to make their purchases. It’s a mutually beneficial situation for all parties involved.
The funding for this program is solely provided by the federal government, specifically through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
In the future, DSS is hopeful to secure additional state funding to further expand the program and provide assistance to a larger number of seniors.
Seniors who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the program by visiting a designated center in their county. To locate the center, they can click on the provided link. Unfortunately, there is no online application option available at this time.
In order to receive their vouchers on the same day, individuals must bring a valid photo ID with them and have it approved.