Lowcountry farmers begin pop-up farm stands in Dorchester County

RIDGEVILLE, S.C. (WCBD) – Local farmers are working with ChangeSC to bring their fresh, local produce to communities that otherwise may not have access.

Gruber CSA Farm held it’s first pop-up farm stand with the initiative in Ridgeville. The goal is to bring the farm’s fruits and vegetables to sell directly to the community. The farmers also accept South Carolina Farmers Market Nutrition Program vouchers at each location.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Stanley Gruber, owner of Gruber CSA Farm, said. “First, I was skeptical but after doing it a while – I think it’s going to work. It’s going to be very worthwhile because local farmers, people like me, I mean this is what I do for a living.”

Gruber is hosting a stand on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until the end of this month. This will provide the Dorchester community with a way to get healthy, affordable food.

“I came because of the fresh produce, I love organic food, and this is the closest as I can get to it.,” Christie White, resident of Ridgeville, said. “I’ve tried it before and it’s very good – very tasty and so I’m back again.”

ChangeSC hopes to give people other options that are convenient and timely throughout the week.

“Other than going out about 25 minutes from here, there’s not another option other than the grocery stores,” White said.

Gruber said he enjoys being able to meet people where they are, rather than wholesaling his products like before.

“It’s better for the produce and get to meet the people that actually are eating it. I like that rather than going to a warehouse and not knowing where it goes,” Gruber said. “We got people in Summerville that buy our produce from us every week. It’s almost like family.”

Here’s a list of more locations throughout Dorchester County:

Cypress Hill Farm

• Tuesdays from 4-7 p.m. at 467 Hundred Oaks Pkwy, Summerville, S.C. 29483
• Wednesdays from 4-7 p.m. at 1609 Beech Hill Road, Summerville, S.C. 29485

Gruber Farms CSA

• Wednesdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at  1534 Hwy 15 South, St. George, S.C. 29477
• Thursdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 227 Church Street, Ridgeville, S.C. 29472