Eligible seniors can receive $50 vouchers to spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at area farmers’ markets
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The USDA’s seasonal Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) has returned for the 2025 summer season to provide eligible senior citizens of South Carolina with money to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers’ markets.
South Carolina’s SFMNP is distributed through the Department of Social Services and has evolved from a six-county pilot program in 2001 to include all 46 counties in the state. The program provides five $10 checks to each eligible senior for a total of $50 to spend at authorized farmers’ markets and roadside stands.
In order to be eligible, persons need to meet the following requirements:
- be 60 years of age or older on the date of application
- reside in one of South Carolina’s 46 counties
- have proof of identity (a valid South Carolina driver’s license or state-issued identification card)
- you must self-declare your annual gross income (before taxes) and household size. Total household income cannot exceed 185% of the federal poverty income limits.
Applications to receive SFMNP benefits must be made in-person in the county where you live. There is no online application. Benefits are on a first-come, first-served basis
The SFMNP distribution site listings vary in number of locations, dates and times depending on the county. As an example, see the voucher distribution dates and location(s) for the following counties:
- Brookland-Lakeview Empowerment Center, 1218 Batchelor St., West Columbia, June 11, 12, and 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- Grace United Methodist Church, 410 Harbison Blvd., Columbia, June 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until supplies run out)
- Eastover Park, 1031 Main St., Eastover, June 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until supplies run out)
- Meadowlake Park, 600 Beckman Rd., Columbia, June 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until supplies run out)
- Killian Park Recreation Center, 1421 Marthan Dr., Blythewood, June 6, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until supplies run out)
- Brookland Baptist Church Northeast, 1203 Summit Parkway, Columbia, June 10 & 11, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until supplies run out)
- Orangeburg County Aging, 2570 St. Matthews Rd. NE, Orangeburg, June 9-13, 9 a.m.-noon
- Vance Senior Center, 10304 Olde #6 Highway, Vance, June 9-13, 9 a.m.-noon
- Branchville Council on Aging, 101 Caboose Court, Branchville, June 9-13, 9 a.m.-noon
Check on your county’s distribution site location, date and times here.
Learn more about the SFMNP and eligibility requirements here.
Questions? Contact Willie Nixon, SFMNP Program Coordinator (803) 898–1760, between 8:30am-5:00pm.
