New Home for The Country Carrot in Rock Hill’s Pecan Grove Neighborhood
Residents in Rock Hill, South Carolina, will be excited to learn that The Country Carrot farmer’s market has relocated to Pecan Grove Neighborhood, according to an announcement made by the company last week on social media. This is unlike typical farmers’ markets as it offers online and in-store shopping for locally grown and produced food products.
The Journey of The Country Carrot
Owners Courtney and Damien McAlister opened The Country Carrot in June 2021 after recognizing a demand for fresh vegetables and local products amidst the pandemic. “Local farmers stepped up when big chain grocery stores were out of stock, and we wanted a way for them to sell consistently, not just through weekly deliveries,” McAlister shared.
In addition to fresh vegetables, The Country Carrot carries a range of other products, including canned preserves, a variety of mushrooms, and fruits, straight from local farmers.
Revamping Its Operations in the New Location
The new location is more than double the size of the previous one, with a 1,200 square feet increase. This move helps fulfill a long-held dream for the McAlisters. “We’ve always wanted a larger space to host markets, create educational opportunities, and expand our offerings,” McAlister said.
Cooking and Gardening Classes
Furthermore, The Country Carrot will see this dream come to fruition this fall with the introduction of cooking classes and hands-on culinary workshops. It will also provide gardening classes and sessions for farmers on topics such as financial management, social media, and farmers market basics. Experts from Clemson Extension are expected to lend a hand in running these programs.
The Country Carrot: A Proponent of Local Farmers and Sustainability
Being situated in the heart of three counties of York, Lancaster, and Union, The Country Carrot aptly connects with area farmers and small businesses. This collaboration aims to provide local, sustainable food, ensuring fresh produce is available to customers weekly in a cost-effective manner.
The Country Carrot also provides convenience to its customers, offering both local pickup and delivery in York, Chester, and Lancaster counties. It is also currently working to partner with a delivery service for the Rock Hill area.
A Network that Empowers Local Farmers
The market is part of the SC Food Hub Network, a system of local partners across the state. This network aims to create more opportunities to support local farmers and help the community access local food. “When you buy local, you support your community,” McAlister reassured.
Visit the New Location
The new location at 2429 Cherry Rd. is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday with extended hours starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays. More information can be found on The Country Carrot’s website.
