Eat Carolina Food Challenge

I was excited when I heard about CFSA’s Eat Carolina Challenge. Basically, the challenge is to eat only food that is grown or produced in North or South Carolina for one week. I have read about similar quests, sometimes for much longer time periods and closer to home (within 100 miles). I appreciate the exploration of these resources for several reasons; reduction of gas use obviously, supporting our local growers, food artisans, and fishermen, potential for fresher, healthier, and better tasting food, and especially the thrill of discovering a new country ham, farmer, or fish monger that I didn’t know about.

In that vein, I have put together a list of Carolina sources that I know about for everything from produce to grass fed beef. If you know of someone else, please let me know.

Oaklyn Plantation http://www.freerangechicken.com/
Free range chicken, beef, and some pet food products as well

Caw Caw Creek http://cawcawcreek.com/
Wonderful pork products from Emile, a talented and passionate producer

Local Harvest http://www.localharvest.org/
Searchable data base of growers, producers, artisans, and restaurants

Myrtle Beach Restaurant News http://myrtlebeachrestaurantnews.com/
Has a page with local farmer’s phone numbers and addresses

Carolina Plantation Rice http://www.carolinaplantationrice.com/
Wonderful rice!

Adluh Flour http://www.adluh.com/index.php
Stone ground grits, flours, and other local products

Indigo Farms http://www.ncagr.com/NCproducts/ShowSite.asp?ID=1909
Great local farm stand direct marketer, just over the border in NC

Carolina Seafood Shops http://agriculture.sc.gov/content.aspx?ContentID=734

Myrtle Market http://www.cityofmyrtlebeach.com/market.html
Every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday here in Myrtle Beach, SC.

Carolina Harvest http://www.carolinaharvest.com/carolinaharvest/ch_products.cfm
Just found this one, sells my favorite country ham from Foothills Country Ham and Fresh Meats.

Lots of farm stands too. Just a tip, though, I always ask if the product was Carolina grown before buying.
Take care, stay cool, and Eat Carolina!