COLUMBIA, S.C. – The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) wants to remind residents of the S.C. Farmers and Roadside Market App to find and buy fresh produce locally. 

The web-based app shows the location, hours of operation and accepted payment types – including WIC, SNAP and senior voucher programs – for hundreds of farmers markets and roadside produce stands across the state. 

"The first year we had 229 markets and stands. Now, that number has grown to 356,” said Nick Davidson, DHEC's interim director of Public Health. “The app makes it easy to find local, affordable options for fresh produce, which can empower families to make healthier food choices.” 

The app does more than just give predictable locations and hours of markets and stands; it also provides healthy recipes featuring in-season produce each month.  

Eating five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables a day can help people maintain a healthy weight. In addition to fighting obesity, fresh produce is packed with vitamins and minerals that deliver a wide variety of health benefits – from fighting cancer to reducing inflammation and so much more.
Seasonal programs are also making local produce more affordable in various parts of the state. DHEC's WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program provides WIC participants with checks that can be used to buy approved fresh produce at authorized farmers markets and roadside stands.

To use the S.C. Farmers and Roadside Market App, visit www.scdhec.gov/farmersmarkets.

For more information on WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Program, visit www.scdhec.gov/Health/WIC/FarmersMarkets.