Anderson District 3 was proud to participate in the Certified SC Cafeteria program this spring, bringing more South Carolina-grown fruits and vegetables to students while supporting farmers across the state.
Through the program, Anderson 3 purchased locally grown asparagus, strawberries, and blueberries for use in school cafeterias. The asparagus pictured came from Elite Pak, a farm located in Cameron, South Carolina.
Certified SC Cafeteria was created to help participating schools and districts purchase more vegetables, fruits, grains, and honey grown in South Carolina. Districts were reimbursed for qualifying purchases, with additional incentives available to those sourcing the highest percentage of local food.
“Being part of the Certified SC Cafeteria program gave us an exciting opportunity to serve fresh, South Carolina-grown foods while supporting the farmers who produce them,” said Julie Peles, Anderson 2 & 3 School Nutrition Director. “We were proud to participate this spring, and we hope the program will continue so we can build even more connections with local growers and bring additional locally sourced foods to our students.” The initiative supported South Carolina farmers while also giving students opportunities to learn more about nutrition, agriculture, and where their food comes from. For Anderson 3, a district rooted in a proud agricultural community, the program was a natural fit.
Across the state, 67 districts and schools participated in the program, representing 874 school cafeterias serving more than 538,000 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The program was created with $1 million in annual funding from the South Carolina General Assembly and 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 said the program helps address barriers that have sometimes made it difficult for schools to purchase locally grown foods. “By creating the Certified SC Cafeteria program, we’re investing in our children’s future and creating more economic opportunity for South Carolina,” Weathers said.
State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver also highlighted the partnership’s benefits for students and agricultural communities. “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 introduced the SC Local Food Connector, an online resource farmers can use to share product availability and contact information with potential buyers.
Should the Certified SC Cafeteria program continue, South Carolina farmers interested in working with Anderson School Districts Two and Three may contact Julie Peles at jpeles@boardofed.net or (864) 225-0591.
More information about the statewide initiative is available at certifiedsccafeteria.com.
