Fresh on the Menu has launched its 2026 People’s Choice Awards, inviting diners statewide to vote for their favorite restaurants that 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, 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.”
How Voting Works
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Diners may vote once per day
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Votes can be cast for one restaurant in each of the state’s four regions:
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Lowcountry
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Midlands
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Pee Dee
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Upstate
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Voting opened February 2 and runs through February 22
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Regional winners will be announced March 2
Martin L. Eubanks Award
In addition to the four regional People’s Choice winners, the South Carolina Department of Agriculture will present the Martin L. Eubanks Award, honoring one restaurant that demonstrates exceptional commitment to supporting South Carolina farmers and strengthening the state’s agricultural community.
To learn more about the 2026 Fresh on the Menu People’s Choice Awards or to cast a vote, visit:
http://freshonthemenu.com/Peoples-Choice-Awards