South Carolina Schools Embrace Local Food with Certified SC Cafeteria Program

New state initiative provides incentives for schools to serve more produce, grains, and honey grown in-state.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 5:09am

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired grid of stylized illustrations of an apple, carrot, and ear of corn, representing the diverse array of locally grown produce featured in the Certified SC Cafeteria program.A colorful celebration of the fresh, local foods now gracing school lunch trays across South Carolina.Columbia Today

A new $1 million annual program called Certified SC Cafeteria is encouraging schools across South Carolina to source more of their food from local farmers. The initiative, operated by the state's Department of Agriculture and Department of Education, will reimburse participating schools for buying South Carolina-grown vegetables, fruits, grains, and honey, with additional incentives for those that source the highest percentage of local food.

Why it matters

The Certified SC Cafeteria program aims to support the state's agricultural economy, provide educational opportunities for students about nutrition and agriculture, and increase access to fresh, healthy food in school cafeterias. With 67 districts and schools already signed up, representing over 500,000 students, the program has the potential for significant impact across South Carolina.

The details

Through the new Certified SC Cafeteria program, schools will be reimbursed for purchasing produce, grains, and honey grown within the state. The program also includes additional financial incentives for schools that source the highest percentage of local food. A new online tool, the SC Local Food Connector, will help farmers connect directly with school buyers.

  • The Certified SC Cafeteria program was launched in 2026 with $1 million in annual funding from the South Carolina General Assembly.
  • As of April 2026, 67 school districts and schools have signed up to participate in the program, representing 874 cafeterias serving 538,066 students.

The players

Hugh Weathers

South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture, who formally kicked off the Certified SC Cafeteria program.

Ellen Weaver

South Carolina Superintendent of Education, who welcomed the partnership between the Department of Agriculture and Department of Education.

Latta Schools

A school district in South Carolina that is participating in the Certified SC Cafeteria program.

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What they’re saying

“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. By creating the Certified SC Cafeteria program, we're investing in our children's future and increasing economic opportunity for South Carolina.”

— Hugh Weathers, South Carolina Commissioner of Agriculture

“Healthy, locally grown food is more than a meal — it's an investment in the future of every child. 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.”

— Ellen Weaver, South Carolina Superintendent of Education

What’s next

The Certified SC Cafeteria program will continue to enroll more school districts and cafeterias across the state, with the goal of increasing access to locally grown food for students.

The takeaway

The Certified SC Cafeteria program demonstrates how state-level initiatives can simultaneously support local agriculture, improve student nutrition, and provide educational opportunities about food systems. As more schools join the program, it has the potential to have a significant impact on the health and economic well-being of communities across South Carolina.