COLUMBIA, S.C. — Food vouchers for local Farmers Markets are now available to lower income senior citizens.
The $25 vouchers are available through the South Carolina Department of Social Services.
Seniors must qualify as low-income, be age 60 or older, have a valid driver's license or state ID and complete an online application by May 25th.
Vouchers will be distributed at a later date to be used at farmers markets this year.
"This is a continuation and adaptation of a program Seeds of Hope that has been in existence in the community now for a number of years," said Senior Resources Executive Director, Andrew Boozer. "We've been excited to be a partner with that from the pilot phase and now into this special COVID-19 phase."
How to Qualify:
- Must be a low-income senior aged 60 or older
- Have a valid driver’s license or state issued ID (must be presented to pick up)
- Live in a participating county
Visit the Seniors Farmers Market page on the DSS website to complete an online application from May 5th thru May 25th.
Senior citizens in these participating counties can apply to participate in the program: Abbeville, Aiken, Allendale, Anderson, Beaufort, Berkeley, Calhoun, Charleston, Cherokee, Chester, Chesterfield, Clarendon, Colleton, Darlington, Dillon, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Florence, Georgetown, Greenville, Greenwood, Hampton, Horry, Jasper, Kershaw, Lancaster, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, McCormick, Oconee, Orangeburg, Pickens, Richland, Saluda, Spartanburg, Sumter, Union, Williamsburg, York.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What if I don't have internet access?
"If you don't have access to the internet, we encourage you to call the Department of Social Services to the Program Coordinator who can help you. That number is 803-898-1760. If you have any questions about the program or need some help, they will be able to help you," said Boozer.
You can also apply over the phone by calling that same number, or have a caretaker fill out the application on your behalf.
Once approved, you'll be assigned a location close to home to pick up your voucher.
What if I can't leave the house to pick up my voucher or don't feel safe going outdoors?
"If a senior is unable to get to that location, a caretaker can bring the confirmation that you'll get via e-mail and the driver's license or valid identification of the senior citizen as a way to pick that voucher up on their behalf," said Boozer. "Then the caretaker will be able to use that voucher at the farmers markets. It's a great way for neighbors to look after neighbors."
Vouchers are first come first serve, and there's a limited amount per county.
For further questions regarding this program, contact Senior Resources, Inc. at 803-252-7734 or follow them on Facebook.
You can also visit the Senior Resources website to get up-to-date information on the Emergency Senior Nutrition Program, where all senior citizens in participating counties can pick up five free meals once a week.
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992.
Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
Mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410
Fax:
(202) 690-7442
or Email: