A common practice among those who strive to be a more conscious consumer is investing in locally produced food items, such as produce, meat, and dairy. Doing so strengthens the local economy and encourages more ethical agriculture — but where do you find locally-produced food? Whether you want to be more ethically conscious with your food choices or just want to support the local economy, I’ve got good news: Columbia, SC, is rich in local products, as long as you know where to find them.
Agriculture is South Carolina’s #1 industry, making local produce highly accessible no matter where in Columbia you live. For many, the easiest way to obtain local produce is at the Soda City Market. Located on Main Street, the Soda City Market is famous for its vendors — including farmers from South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia — who offer fresh, seasonal produce year-round. The market is open every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, and the best part? If you live on or near the UofSC campus, it’s only a 15-20 minute walk away. However, if you wish to buy produce in bulk or don’t have time to spare on Saturdays, fear not; the South Carolina State Farmers Market has you covered. Located off Charleston Highway, West Columbia, the State Farmers Market is open from 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, and features seasonal produce from over 15 South Carolina farmers.
Opting for locally sourced meat is one of the most beneficial things you can do to support small farmers and reject the often unethical meat production industry. With one location off Two Notch Rd and one off Rosewood Dr, Ole Timey Meats specializes in “farm-to-table goodness.” Partnered with local farms across South Carolina, Ole Timey Meats supplies a variety of cuts of pasture-raised beef, pork, chicken, sausage, and more. And — if you prefer to buy your meat in bulk — Ole Timey Meats offers monthly package deals, so you can get more meat for your money. However, if you’d like to buy directly from a farm, Columbia Meats off Carolina Rd offers wholesale and retail orders available for pickup. You only need to browse their online catalog and place your order.
Though locally sourced dairy products may be harder to come by than meat and produce, they are still available in Columbia. Located off Rosewood Dr, Rosewood Market features a variety of organic and locally sourced products, including some local dairy options. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, visiting the Happy Cow Creamery in Greenville, SC, may be worth the drive. Happy Cow Creamery is a family-owned dairy farm selling products from pasture-raised cows. Their selection of dairy products includes 4 types of cow’s milk, 2 kinds of butter, 57 varieties of cheese, and even goat milk!
The benefit of investing in locally produced food is invaluable. With the plethora of options available in Columbia, you can choose to make more conscious food choices, support local farmers, and leave a positive impact on the agriculture industry. The planet and your tastebuds will thank you.