Nutrition Staff > Certified SC Cafeteria

Certified SC Cafeteria

Investing in our future, one meal at a time.

Connecting Schools Directly with Farmers

Certified SC Cafeteria is a state-funded program coordinated by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture to bring more South Carolina grown food into public school cafeterias across our state. With an annual investment of $1 million, the program supports schools in purchasing fresh, local produce while strengthening South Carolina farms and communities. Districts will be reimbursed directly for buying South Carolina grown fruits and vegetables starting January 2026.

Together, we can keep more dollars in South Carolina and celebrate the vital role our farmers and school nutrition professionals play in building stronger communities.

Apply to Join

  • Applications for the first year of Certified SC Cafeteria will open in October 2025.
  • All School Food Authorities in South Carolina that participate in the National School Lunch or Breakfast Program are eligible to apply.
  • Reimbursement Program launches January 2026. SFA’s will be allotted an amount of money based upon enrollment and will receive direct reimbursements for South Carolina Grown fruits and vegetables purchased during the program.
  • After your application is approved, participants will sign a contract, pledging to prioritize local food purchasing as much as possible and to follow the rules and regulations of the program.
  • SFAs will be provided with Certified SC Cafeteria signs, hats, aprons, and other branded materials for distribution to their cafeteria staff, in recognition of their efforts and commitment to local procurement.

After your application is accepted you will receive a contract to sign, pledging to prioritize local food purchasing as much as possible and to follow the rules and regulations of the Certified SC Cafeteria Program.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

SFA Contact

Please share a central address where SCDA can send promotional items to be distributed to your cafeterias and staff.
Name(Required)
Shipping Address(Required)
This is the address where you will receive promotional items such as hats, aprons, and signage to distribute to your cafeteria staff.

District Information

SCEIS Profile

Your district’s SCEIS profile can be found at apps.sceis.sc.gov/SCVendorSearch/supplierSearch.do. Why does your SCEIS information matter? Your Certified SC Cafeteria reimbursements will come in check form and will be made out to/sent to the address corresponding with your district’s SCEIS Profile.
SCEIS Vendor Address(Required)