MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) — Swinging feet and lunchtime chatter filled the cafeteria at a Mount Pleasant elementary school Friday, but what was on students’ trays is part of something much bigger.
Through a new state-funded initiative run by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture, districts like the Charleston County School District are being reimbursed for buying South Carolina-grown products — bringing more local fruits, vegetables, grains and honey into school meals.
“It’s designed to build relationships with local South Carolina growers and bring more South Carolina-grown produce into school meals,” Megan Funderburk, a registered dietitian with Charleston County School District Nutrition Services, said.
How the program works
Under the Certified South Carolina Cafeteria program, school districts purchase food from South Carolina farmers and producers. After those purchases are made, districts submit invoices to the state and are reimbursed for qualifying local products…