Farmers Markets to Distribute $50 Vouchers for Eligible Seniors
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
Beginning in June, Anderson County senior citizens can apply for produce vouchers as part of the Farmers Market Nutrition Program for Seniors.
This year the vouchers are for $50, twice last year’s amount. The Anderson County Senior Citizens Program and Anderson County, in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Social Services and other state agencies, will issue the vouchers to eligible senior citizens which can be used to purchase produce at participating farmer’s markets through Oct. 15. The vouchers will be issued on a ‘first come-first serve’ basis until the supply is exhausted. EBT is accepted year-round at are farmers markets.
To qualify, South Carolina residents must be age 60 or older with a yearly income of $25,142 or less ($33,874 for 2 people), report their household size (jointly or separately), and have a legal form of identification.
“For the past few years, low-income Senior Citizens across Anderson County have been given the opportunity to supplement their diets with fresh, healthy and local produce by means of the Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program,” said Anderson Council Chairman Tommy Dunn. “I want to encourage everyone to help us get the word out about this beneficial program and also to remember to support our local farmers at the Anderson County Farmers Market. When residents spend their vouchers at our Farmers Markets, they are supporting county farmers and the local economy also gets a boost.”
Distribution of vouchers will be held at the Anderson County Famers Market from 10 am.-noon June 9, the Iva Farmers Market June 7, and the Belton Farmers Market June 8. All markets will be available on these dates beginning at 8 a.m. for seniors to sign up for the vouchers.
Individuals aged 60 or older, with a low monthly income, or who receive SSI or Food Stamp benefits are eligible for these free coupons. Applications must be made in person and seniors will be asked to provide proof of their identity, age and their Anderson County residency. Applicants must also meet household income eligibility limits. Information regarding the income of all household members is required to determine eligibility. Verification of Social Security numbers is also required.
Those wishing 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 time of application.
The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program’s goal is to supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce while supporting South Carolina’s small farmers. South Carolina is one of several states that receive funds from the USDA to operate this program. For more information about the Senior Voucher program, please contact Anderson County Seniors Program Manager, Kelly Jo Barnwell at 231-2237.
The Anderson Farmers Market will kicked off the 2023 season with the Spring Craft Market in May, and continues to run Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
The produce market will open June 3.