Fresh on the Menu Opens Voting for 2026 People’s Choice Awards
South Carolina Department of Agriculture
Hugh E. Weathers, Commissioner
Media Contact: Eva Moore, SCDA Communications Director, 803-734-2196, emoore@scda.sc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 3, 2026
Fresh on the Menu Opens Voting for 2026 People’s Choice Awards
Vote for South Carolina Restaurants Supporting Local Farmers
COLUMBIA – Fresh on the Menu has launched the 2026 Fresh on the Menu People’s Choice Awards, inviting diners across the state to vote for their favorite restaurants that proudly support South Carolina farmers by sourcing local ingredients.
Fresh on the Menu is a sister program of Certified South Carolina and recognizes restaurants that commit to sourcing at least 25 percent of their ingredients from Certified South Carolina members.
“The Fresh on the Menu People’s Choice Awards are a way for diners to show appreciation for restaurants that make a real commitment to supporting local farmers and producers,” said Grace Heins, Fresh on the Menu Program Manager at the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. “Every vote helps recognize restaurants that prioritize buying local and encourages more establishments to prioritize locally sourced ingredients.”
Diners may vote once per day for their favorite Fresh on the Menu restaurant in each of the state’s four regions: Lowcountry, Midlands, Pee Dee, and Upstate. Voting opened February 2 and will remain open through February 22, with regional winners announced on March 2.
In addition to the four regional People’s Choice Awards, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture will also present the Martin L. Eubanks Award, honoring one restaurant that demonstrates an exceptional commitment to supporting South Carolina farmers and advancing the state’s agricultural community.
To learn more about the Fresh on the Menu People’s Choice Awards and to cast your vote, visit FreshOnTheMenu.com/Peoples-Choice-Awards.
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