ORANGEBURG, S.C. — There’s a program to help people get fresh produce in Orangeburg, and it can be found right at the Orangeburg County Library.
It was originally called the SC Plants the Seed Program, a state funded effort to get fresh produce to rural areas.
But when that ended the county library found a way to keep it going…by reaching out to a local farmer.
A local farm in Orangeburg known as Pair Farm, has been visiting Orangeburg County Library every Wednesday since October of 2021.
Pair Farm accepts SNAP benefits and customers who spend at least $5, receive $15 in SNAP Healthy Bucks Tokens.
Gloria Pair from Pair Farms says that customers are happy with what they offer.
"A lot of the customers that come in they say that oh these prices are really good,” said Pair. “Because it's so much higher in the grocery stores and we can't afford that and they don't have the quality of merchandise that you do have."
Patricia Watson is an Orangeburg resident and tries to visit the market as much as possible.
"I think its very important,” said Watson. “I came last year and this is just the second time this year because I didn't know they were here this year. I'm trying to aim coming to the library on the day that they are here because it's a very good service."
Alexis Dreher grew up in Orangeburg in a large family and says these options were not available for her growing up.
"I come from a large family so healthy food options being available to us,” said Dreher. “Would have been the perfect way for us to grow and develop properly."
Dreher says affordable healthy food is good for the body.
"This market being here is the perfect opportunity for us come and grab what we need which is better for us because fresh food tends to be more expensive but with this more affordable option,” said Dreher. “You can come and buy this food and you can get the proper food for you as apposed to buying TV dinners or a bunch of snacks, just all kinds of things your body doesn’t need.
The Orangeburg County Library’s Plant the Seed Farmers Market will continue next week Wednesday at 12:30 to 5:30 p.m.