United Way offering Farmer’s Market Vouchers

For the eighth year, the United Way of Oconee County is helping to feed seniors through “The Senior’s Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program 2013.”  The United Way is partnering with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the South Carolina Department of Social Services Nutrition Program to offer vouchers.  Farmer’s Market Vouchers will be distributed to low income seniors of Oconee County who are 60 and older. Each eligible person will receive $25 worth of coupons will may be used to purchase fresh produce at local participating farmers’ markets from June to October. The coupons are available on a first come, first serve basis until the supplies are exhausted.  The coupons are being issued by the United Way Center in downtown Seneca. Until supplies last, coupons will be available for pickup from June 4 until June 6 from 9am until 3pm each day. There is an application process in order to qualify for the program. Applications must be submitted in person, with proof of identity, either by drivers license or I.D. card and proof of residence in Oconee County being part of the requirements. In addition, household income eligibility limits must be met as well which includes information regarding the income of all household members. This is required to help determine eligibility for the program. If a senior is homebound, a statement must be provided by that senior granting permission for someone to submit an application on his or her behalf. Proof of identity and income must be submitted at the time of application as well for the homebound senior.  The goals of the program are to supplement the diets of low-income seniors with fresh, nutritious produce and to support South Carolina’s small farmers.