The Certified SC Cafeteria program will reimburse participating schools for buying South Carolina-grown produce, grains and honey, with 67 districts and schools already signed on.
Based on a release from S.C. Dept. of Agriculture.
COLUMBIA, S.C. — Schoolchildren across South Carolina will see more locally grown foods on their plates this year through a new state program called Certified SC Cafeteria, according to the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
Participating schools and school districts will be reimbursed for buying South Carolina-grown vegetables, fruits, grains and honey, with additional incentives for those that source the highest percentage of local food, the department said.
Sixty-seven of the state’s districts and schools have signed on so far, representing 874 school cafeterias serving 538,066 students in kindergarten through 12th grade, according to the department.
The program was created with $1 million in annual funding from the South Carolina General Assembly and is operated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture with additional support from the South Carolina Department of Education.
South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture Hugh Weathers formally kicked off the program during a visit to Greenville County Schools’ J.L. Mann High School, according to the department.
“Our state’s farmers grow so many fresh healthy foods, but supply chains and red tape have sometimes made it difficult for schools to buy local food,” Weathers said. “By creating the Certified SC Cafeteria program, we’re investing in our children’s future and increasing economic opportunity for South Carolina.”
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said the partnership benefits South Carolina students.
“Healthy, locally grown food is more than a meal — it’s an investment in the future of every child,” Weaver said. “Through this partnership with the Department of Agriculture, we’re proud to nourish young minds, support our farmers, and build a stronger South Carolina together.”
The program also includes a new online tool, the SC Local Food Connector, that farmers can use to share product availability and contact information with buyers, according to the department. More information is available at certifiedsccafeteria.com.
