News Summary
Greenwood County is hosting a distribution event for seniors on June 4 and 5, providing $50 vouchers for fresh produce to enhance food security. The program, funded by the USDA, aids seniors aged 60 and older with low income and promotes local agriculture. With over 1,300 vouchers available and a drive-thru format for accessibility, the initiative not only supports seniors but also boosts the local economy. The Greenwood Farmers Market will also operate during the summer months, ensuring continued access to fresh produce.
Greenwood County is set to host a distribution event for seniors that will offer $50 in vouchers to assist them in purchasing fresh produce. The event will take place on June 4 and June 5, 2025, at the Greenwood County Recreation Complex from 9 a.m. to noon in a drive-thru format, ensuring accessibility for participants. A total of 1,375 vouchers will be distributed, which adds up to $68,750 worth of aid aimed at enhancing food security for local seniors.
The available vouchers come from the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program, an initiative funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS). Eligible participants must be residents of Greenwood County, aged 60 or older, and have an income at or below 185% of the federal poverty level. This year, eligible seniors will receive five vouchers valued at $10 each, intended to be used at local certified vendors selling fresh produce, herbs, or honey. Note that meats and processed foods are not eligible for purchase through the vouchers.
While seniors are required to apply for the vouchers in person, those with mobility issues may send a representative to collect the vouchers on their behalf, provided they have the necessary documentation. Officials have forecasted high traffic volume during the distribution, warning that it could extend onto Highway 72. Approximately 40 volunteers and county staff will oversee the distribution process to ensure it runs smoothly.
The Senior Voucher Program, which has been serving Greenwood seniors for over 20 years, has seen a significant increase in assistance this year, upping the voucher amount from the previous allocation of $25. The initiative benefits not only seniors, but also local farmers by infusing tens of thousands of dollars into the local economy through their sales at the Greenwood Farmers Market. Vendors at this market provide a variety of South Carolina-grown vegetables such as collards, turnip greens, and okra, enhancing the local agricultural economy.
The Greenwood Farmers Market operates from June 7 through October 18 and is designed to serve both eligible seniors and the general public. In addition to the fresh produce, the market fosters community engagement and provides an important platform for local vendors. To maintain a strong participation rate in the voucher program, it is vital that usage rates remain high, thereby ensuring its continued success and availability.
Along with producing vouchers for seniors, the Greenwood Farmers Market has recently completed significant facility upgrades to enhance the visitor experience. The Parks and Recreation Director emphasizes that the program not only ensures better food access for seniors but also provides a boost to local agriculture, making the initiative beneficial for the entire community.
Overall, this upcoming distribution event represents a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of Greenwood County seniors, while simultaneously supporting local farmers and fostering a sense of community.
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Additional Resources
- Index Journal: Seniors and Farmers Benefit as $50 Voucher Program Returns
- Wikipedia: Farmers Market
- Index Journal: Senior Vouchers Offer $50 for Farmers Market Produce
- Google Search: Farmers Market Vouchers
- WSPA: Farmers Market Vouchers for SC Seniors Will Be Available Statewide
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Food Security
- IndyStar: Indianapolis Farmers Markets – A Guide for Summer 2024
- Google News: Greenwood Farmers Market
Author: HERE Greenwood
The HERE Greenwood Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenwood community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenwood Our team includes lifelong Greenwood residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent listing of the historic Grier Building, Greenwood’s railroad and textile heritage, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Piedmont Technical College programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
