Nutrition program for seniors underway in Sumter, Lee counties

STAFF REPORT

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, which is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services, is a seasonal grant program by the U.S. Department of Agriculture with a goal of supplementing the diets of low-income seniors with unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs.

Seniors must apply for the benefits on a yearly basis.

Eligible participants will receive $25 in the form of five checks ($5 each) to spend at participating authorized locations. Qualified seniors need to visit a designated location in their county of residence and complete an application and present photo identification to participate. If approved, the qualified senior will receive their checks the same day. Applications will be accepted and checks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis in the senior's county of residence.

To qualify, South Carolina residents must be age 60 or older with a yearly income of $23,828 or less ($32,227 for 2 people), report their household size (jointly or separately) and have a legal form of identification.

Applicants may designate an authorized representative to apply on his or her behalf if the senior is unable to apply in person. An authorized representative may apply and pick up SFMNP checks on behalf of a maximum of two individuals in addition to themselves. The authorized representative must present their own photo identification, a copy of the applicant's identification (physical copy or image) and written/signed permission.

Potential recipients must submit an application and meet the residency and income requirements to be eligible. Please do not arrive at the SFMNP site on the date of distribution without having proof of identification.

The 2022 SFMNP distribution sites and times in Lee County are:

- Lee County Council On Aging, 51 Wilkinson Road, Bishopville, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 8-10; and

- Spring Hill Center, 137 Shiver Pond Road, Rembert, 9 a.m. to noon, June 8-10

The distribution site in Sumter County is:

- South HOPE Center, 1125 S. Lafayette Drive, June 24, 10 a.m-2 p.m. (Please wear a face mask while in building)

South Carolina Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program's 2022 authorized sites in Lee County, where checks and/or vouchers can be used, are:

- D&L Berry, 299 Johnson Pond Road, Bishopville - Mondays-Wednesdays, 2-5 p.m.;

- Lee County Farmer and Garden, 220 E. Church St., Bishopville - Thursdays, 4:30-6:30 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Authorized sites in Sumter County where checks and/or vouchers can be used are:

- American Legion Farmers Market, 2 S. Artillery Drive, Sumter - Fridays, noon-6 p.m.

- Garden Fresh, 6685 Camden Highway, Rembert - Fridays, 8 a.m.-noon

- South Sumter Farmers Market, 312 Manning Ave., Sumter; Fridays, 2-6 p.m.

- Sumter Farmers Market at USC Sumter, 200 Miller Road, Sumter - Fridays, noon-6 p.m.

- Sumter Farmers Market Downtown, corner of Main and Liberty streets - Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

- Tandem Health Farmers Market, 1278 N. Lafayette Drive, Sumter - Thursdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

- The Farm Store, 584 Bultman Drive, Unit 2, Sumter - Mondays-Fridays, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.