Background:

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is a seasonal USDA grant program to provide participants with fresh, nutritious, unprocessed fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets and to increase awareness and use of community markets. The program began in South Carolina as “Pilot” in May 2001.  There were only 6 participating counties at the time.  SFMNP has since evolved, currently providing benefits to seniors in 42 counties. The program provides low-income seniors age 60 and older, in selected areas, with SFMNP checks that may be used to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local authorized farmers’ markets. The Program runs from May 1st through October 15th each year. SFMNP benefits are offered to each participant once a year.  Seniors must apply for benefits each year.

SC DSS is the State Agency that administers the program in South Carolina.

Eligibility & Benefit: 

Benefits are issued on a first-come, first-served basis until all benefits are issued.  To be eligible for the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program you must be:

• Age: a person must be 60 years of age or older on the date of application AND
• Residence: a person who resides in one of the 42 participating counties AND
• Income Level: applicants may self-declare their total household income (before taxes).  Total household income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty income limits. 

Steps to Receive Benefits:

Step 1: Potential recipients must submit an online application, in its entirety, to be eligible.  

Upon submission of the online application, potential recipients will receive a confirmation number (please retain this confirmation number for your records). Click HERE to apply online.

Step 2: Wait on eligibility determination, via email. 

Eligibility determination can consist of application approved, application referred to waiting list, or application denial.  Instructions to pick up the SFMNP checks will also be included in the eligibility determination email. 

Step 3: Follow instructions included in eligibility email to pick up SFMNP benefit(s). 

Proof of identity (valid Driver’s License or State Issued Identification Card) must be shown in order to pick up SFMNP checks. 

Seniors who have been confirmed to receive SFMNP vouchers may select an authorized representatives to pick up their vouchers for them. The authorized representative must present their ID, applicant’s ID, and confirmation number. 

Step 4: Purchase fresh fruits & vegetables from authorized farmers.  

A listing of authorized farmers will be provided at pickup.  Eligible participants will receive 5 SFMNP checks worth $5.00 each; for a total benefit of $25.00 that can be used at participating farmers’ market to purchase fresh, locally grown produce. 

 Click HERE to apply online for Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

Click here for a voucher distribution site near you.

For more information please follow the link below.

Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)