Courtesy SC DSS press release

Department of Social Services

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The SC Department of Social Services has announced that due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene an extension has been approved for senior citizens to redeem vouchers issued earlier this year as part of the 2024 Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).

Qualified seniors now have until November 15, 2024 to use their vouchers instead of the previous deadline which was October 15.

DSS says participating farmers and roadside vendors will have until December 2, to deposit their vouchers to receive payment.

For 2024, eligible participants received $50 in the form of five checks ($10 each) to spend at participating authorized locations.

SFMNP is designed to help supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce while supporting South Carolina’s local farmers.

The seasonal USDA grant program allows qualifying individuals to purchase unprocessed fruits and vegetables from authorized farmers’ markets, roadside stands, and community-supported agriculture programs, says DSS.

For more information about the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program please click here.