Program offers fresh fruits, veggies to seniors in Sumter, Clarendon and Lee

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FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program returns this summer to 42 counties in South Carolina. The seasonal USDA grant program helps supplement the diets of low-income seniors by allowing persons 60 and older to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers' markets, roadside stands and community-supported agriculture programs through Oct. 15.

Participants receive $25 in the form of five checks of $5 to spend at authorized locations. Checks are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. To be eligible, individuals must:

- Attend a distribution event;

- Complete the application;

- Provide proof of identity and residence in the county; and

- Self-declare amount of household income.

Individuals wanting to apply for homebound seniors must provide a statement from the senior granting permission to submit an application on their behalf. Proof of identity and proof of income for the homebound senior must be presented at the time of application.

Vouchers will be issued at:

Sumter County

- June 12, 10 a.m.-noon, Sumter Senior Services-Delaine Center, 5400 Cane Savannah Road, Wedgefield;

- June 13, 10 a.m. -noon, Sumter Senior Services-Shiloh St. John Center, 475 Puddin Swamp Road, Lynchburg; and

- June 14, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sumter Senior Services, 119 S. Sumter St., Sumter.

Lee County

- June 8, 9 a.m.-noon, Lee County Council on Aging, 51 Wilkinson Road, Bishopville; and

- June 10 and 11, noon-3 p.m., Lee County Council on Aging, 51 Wilkinson Road, Bishopville.

Clarendon County

- June 11, 1-3 p.m., Summerton Senior Center, 1154 BO Butler St.;

- June 12, 10 a.m.-noon, Paxville Community Center, 1018 Lewis Road, Manning;

- June 13, 10 a.m.-noon, Turbeville Town Hall, 1400 Main St., Turbeville; and

- June 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Manning Senior Center, 206 S. Church St., Manning.

The SFMNP is administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services and county Agencies on Aging.

For information, contact Seandra Kelly at (803) 898-1760 or Seandra.Kelly@dss.sc.gov.