Mount Pleasant, S.C. — On a bright Friday at an elementary school, kids filled the cafeteria with laughter and excitement. What they didn’t know was that their lunch options were part of a significant local initiative.
Thanks to a new program funded by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, schools in Charleston County can now serve more locally grown foods. This effort aims to bring fresh fruits, vegetables, grains, and honey to students’ plates.
Megan Funderburk, a dietitian with the Charleston County School District Nutrition Services, explains, “The goal is to connect schools with local farmers and improve the quality of meals.”
How It Works
The program, called the Certified South Carolina Cafeteria initiative, allows schools to buy food directly from local farms. After making their purchases, schools submit invoices to the state for reimbursement on eligible local products. This reimbursement helps nutrition services within the district, providing more flexibility in spending and allowing them to invest in other meal programs.
Funderburk notes that this funding helps them focus on local produce while allowing other funds to be used for different initiatives. “This specific funding lets us expand our local purchasing efforts,” she says.
The program aims to support local farmers and enhance meal quality. It builds a reliable market for South Carolina growers, ensuring schools consistently buy local products. As Funderburk puts it, this creates a strong network of support between schools and farmers, benefiting both groups.
What’s on the Menu?
At lunchtime, students usually have three choices: a hot meal, a cold option, and a fresh salad. Fridays often feature pizza as the hot entrée, alongside a selection of fresh fruits like apples and tangerines.
Exciting news is coming during National School Breakfast Week in March, when the cafeteria will highlight local grits sourced from a nearby farm. Presentation matters, too. “When food looks appealing, kids are more likely to try and enjoy it,” says Funderburk.
Cafeteria chef Sandra Capers finds joy in students’ enthusiasm for these meals. “It’s rewarding to see kids appreciate what they eat,” she says.
With fresher ingredients, strong local partnerships, and excited students, the program aims for simple yet meaningful goals. It’s about creating connections that benefit everyone, from farmers to families.
Local food initiatives like this not only promote healthy eating but also encourage community support. Studies show that children who eat fresh, local foods tend to have better overall health and wellness. By integrating local produce into school meals, schools are fostering healthier habits for future generations.
For more details on agricultural initiatives, visit the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.
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