COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new South Carolina law could help small businesses make more money.
The state Senate recently passed a law that allows homemade food products to be sold in stores and online.
And in places like local farmer's markets, that's a big deal.
“We probably come at least once a week to do shopping," Richard Erdrich said.
Erdrich is a South Carolina State Farmers Market regular. He said the preserves and jams along with the fresh produce keep him coming back.
“We bought three or four jars already today," he said.
Richard and other market-goers could see more homemade products at markets, in stores, and online. That's because of the new law.
It requires homemade goods to have an identification number that's regulated by DHEC. With this number, homemade food products are allowed to be sold on a larger scale.
Tamie Milhouse knows firsthand how this law will impact small businesses.
“It’s opened up a broader spectrum to be able to sell it to consumers other than just family members," Milhouse said.
Tamie owns Fancy Boxes and Baskets. She said this will put more money in her pocket in addition to the fresh produce she puts out weekly. She added it won't cost much to get the identification number.
“If I got it into the stores it would cost me about $300 then to get the rest about $1,000," she said.
Homemade food products with identification numbers will also be able to be sold online. The law also said stores that sell homemade goods must inform consumers with clear signage.
