In rural parts of Charleston, $25 in free groceries goes a long way.

      Posted On: June 8, 2018

AWENDAW — Farmers markets play a critical role in feeding the residents of rural towns in South Carolina, where the nearest grocery store can be 15 miles away.

But fresh fruits and vegetables aren’t cheap: In addition to being on a low or fixed income, many elderly, rural residents often face the additional hurdle of lacking transportation.

“Most of them are at the mercy of their family members to take them from point A to point B,” said Sheila Powell, the executive director of the Awendaw Senior Center. She also works with the South Santee Senior & Community Center in McClellanville.

That’s why the Department of Social Services hands out 1,500 farmers market vouchers to seniors across the state as part of an annual program aimed at reducing food insecurity among the elderly. Recipients receive a total of five $5 vouchers that can be redeemed at participating farmers markets. Read more…