Palmettovore Challenge Month at Kershaw County Farmers Market
June 4, 2009
Funderburk Joins Certified SC Grown Fruits/Veggies in taking the Palmettovore Challenge
CAMDEN, SC – June 4, 2009 – The South Carolina Legislature recently declared June as Palmettovore Challenge Month. To show their support of the movement, Certified SC Grown fruits and veggies will appear with Representative Laurie Funderburk – Dist. 52, Kershaw Co., and Beth Crocker of the South Carolina Department of Agriculture at the Kershaw County Farmers Market between 9 and 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 13, 2009.
A Palmettovore is a person who attempts to eat only produce and products grown and processed in South Carolina. During Palmettovore Challenge Month, participants who join the statewide effort to eat locally are supporting the South Carolina Department of Agriculture’s Certified SC Grown effort that began in 2007. Last year, the Fresh on the Menu phase of the program was introduced in which participating chefs agree to prepare and serve at least 25% of their menu using locally grown produce and products.
The focus of the Certified SC Grown program is to help consumers identify South Carolina produce and products wherever they shop, whether at a farmers market, roadside stand, supermarket, or local restaurant. In doing so, they are helping keep local dollars in the community where they are needed most.
Hugh Weathers, Commissioner of Agriculture, has challenged everyone to take action and become a Palmettovore. “Whether for the month, for a day, or for a lifetime, eating locally grown provides access to fresher, better-tasting produce and products, decreases the carbon footprint food travels, and supports the state’s economy,” he said. “Only 6% of the food being consumed today by people in South Carolina is actually grown in our state,” Commissioner Weathers added. “South Carolina has an abundance of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.”
Representative Laurie Funderburk said, “One of the easiest ways to succeed during the Palmettovore Challenge is to purchase produce at a local farmers market. This is the peak season for fresh produce at the Kershaw County Farmers Market. I can think of no better way to raise awareness and excitement about the benefits of eating local than by becoming a Palmettovore. I invite everyone to join me and my Certified SC Grown veggie friends at the Kershaw County Farmers Market to celebrate Palmettovore Challenge Month.”
To enlist in the Palmettovore Challenge, visit www.certifiedscgrown.com and click on Palmettovore.
The Kershaw County Farmers Market is open Saturdays, 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to December at West Dekalb Street & Church Street in Camden. For more information about the Kershaw County Farmers Market, visit www.kcfarmrsmarket.org or call 803-432-9071.
