Nothing compares to eating fresh food that is grown + made right where you live. A recent study by the University of South Carolina shows that residents across the state are buying more locally grown food. What’s considered locally grown food? Typically, it’s food grown within 100 miles of where you live or from the restaurant serving the food.

A delicious looking dish from Topsoil Kitchen & Market, one of the Upstate’s several farm-to-table restaurants | Photo from @topsoilrestaurant

Did you know that South Carolina residents bought $176.3 million more from South Carolina farmers in 2018 than they did in 2010, which includes all food categories? According to the study, that calculates to millions of dollars in additional economic activity –more than 1,600 jobs + more than $51 million in labor income for residents in the state. Buying local makes sense (or cents...obviously, dollars in this case).

The Certified South Carolina Program, a resource established by the SC Department of Agriculture, helps people in the state find + buy locally sourced food from farmers. There are 24,000+ farmers across the Palmetto State. Here’s a list of SC grown products, which also features local farms that sell these items. You can also find local produce currently in season here.

If you’re looking for an Upstate spot that serves up farm-to-table dishes, check out a few in this quick restaurant roundup.

Don’t forget, you can still support local farmers markets (even during COVID-19). 🌾