Free food to low income elderly

The Trident Area Agency on Aging in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Social Services will be issuing free coupons to low income individuals age 60 and older that may be used to purchase fresh produce at local participating farmers’ markets.  Each eligible person will receive $25 worth of coupons that may be used at participating markets from May through October 15, 2009.  The coupons will be issued on a first come first served basis until the supply is exhausted.

Applications must be submitted in person. Proof of identity and residence in Berkeley, Charleston or Dorchester County is required in order to receive the free coupons. Applicants must also meet household income eligibility limits. Information regarding the income of all household members is required to determine eligibility. 

People wishing to apply for homebound seniors must provide a statement or a copy of the Power of Attorney from the senior granting permission to submit an application on their behalf. Individual picking up vouchers must have the senior’s proof of identity; proof of income (copy of check, SSA statement or bank statement) for the homebound senior must be presented at the time of application.

This program is called the Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program and 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.

For more information, contact: Angela Edwards at 843-554-2279 or Stephanie Blunt at 843-554-2282.

The coupons will be issued at:

Mon, June 8, 9am – 11am Wed, June 10, 2pm – 4pm (843) 762-9555
Lowcountry Senior Center, 865 Riverland Drive, Charleston

Mon, June 8, 9am – 3pm (843) 559-4137
Johns Island Rural Housing, Maybank Highway

Tue, June 9, 9am – 3pm (843) 722-4127
Charleston Area Senior Citizens Center, 259 Meeting Street, Charleston

Tue, June 9, 9am – 12pm (843) 546-2789
South Santee Community Center, 710 South Santee Road, McClellanville

Tue, June 9, 1pm – 5pm Fri, June 12, 1pm – 5pm (843) 856-2166
Mt. Pleasant Senior Center, 840 Von Kolnitz Road, Mt. Pleasant

Thu, June 11, 9am – 11am (843) 554-2275
Cainhoy Community Center, Cainhoy Road

Thu, June 11, 10am – 4pm (843) 745-1028
Felix Davis Community Center, 4500 Park Circle, North Charleston

Fri, June 12, 9am – 12pm (843) 546-2789 (843) 554-2275
Mt. Nebo AME Church, 5600 Hwy 17, Awendaw

Fri, June 12, 9am – 3pm (843) 722-4127
Charleston Area Senior Citizens Center, 259 Meeting Street, Charleston

Mon, June 15, 9:30am – 12:00pm (843) 554-2275
Washington Park Recreation Center, Fifth Avenue & Playground Road, W. Ashley
Tue, June 16, 9am – 12pm         (843) 554-2275
Edisto Island Community Center, 1786 Highway 174, Edisto Island

Mon, June 8 Tues, June 9 9-1:30pm (843) 567-2674
St. Stephen Senior Center, 1264 Russellville Road

Wed, June 10 9-1:30pm (843) 572-2423
South Berkeley Senior Center, 103 Thurgood Road, Goose Creek

Thurs, June 11 Fri, June 12 9-1:30pm (843) 761-0390
Moncks Corner Senior Center, 222 Heatley Street

Mon, June 8 Wed, June 10 8am-12pm (843) 871-5053
Faith Sellers Senior Center, 312 North Laurel Street, Summerville

Tues, June 9 Thurs, June 11 8am-12pm (843) 563-3709
David Sojourner Senior Center, 5361 E. Jim Bilton Blvd. St. George

In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.  To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202) 720-6382 (TTY).  USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.