Kershaw County residents like good food, and they like it fresh.

And for those who call the area home or anyone lucky enough to visit, there are bountiful opportunities to buy and enjoy locally produced food.

Like many progressive areas of the country, Kershaw County embraces the farm-to-table movement, a push by consumers to buy food directly from local farmers, thereby reducing ”food miles” on products and supporting local agriculture at the same time.

Oh, and it also happens that fresh food tastes better.

In fact, Kershaw County restaurants such as the Mill Pond Steakhouse, located in Rembert, go out of their way to use fresh, local ingredients. For the Mill Pond’s Fried Green Tomato Napoleon, a popular appetizer, chefs seek out local tomatoes, which are fried and then layered with cheese and lump crab meat.

Along the same lines, several Kershaw County restaurants participate in South Carolina’s ”Fresh on the Menu” program. Launched in 2008 and part of the ”Certified SC” initiative, Fresh on the Menu encourages local chefs to ensure that at least 25 percent of their menus include South Carolina-grown foods.

Restaurants involved in this initiative include the world-class Indigo Jones Restaurant and Old Armory Steak House, both in downtown Camden. Also on the list of restaurants seeking to utilize local ingredients and support local farmers at the same time are Springdale Hall Country Club, in Camden, and Woodcreek Farms in Elgin.

In addition, Kershaw County makes it easy for chefs and families alike to shop for the freshest local food available at the weekly Kershaw County Farmers Market.

Held every Saturday morning from the second Saturday in April through the second Saturday in December, the farmers market is located behind First Community Bank in Camden. The market aims to provide consumers with farm-fresh foods while carving out a sustainable agriculture niche for today’s farmers.

Vendors on a typical Saturday offer a variety of items, including fresh produce, honey, rice and other grains, eggs, all-natural skin care products, grass-fed beef, free-range poultry, baked goods, milk and even textiles, like felted wool. Learn more about the farmers market and its vendors at www.kcfarmersmarket.org.

To get even closer to your food, visit HoField Farms, where customers may enjoy a “pick-your-own” experience. Products at the farm include strawberries, peaches and more. The farm is located in Camden.

Food is also the main attraction at area celebrations. The Chicken Strut, a three-day food festival, features a pageant, tractor pull and a singing competition, the renowned Colgate Country Showdown. Also, the Elgin Catfish Stomp, held each year in December, features catfish stew made from local catfish, as well as live music, square dancing and cooking competitions.