After 3 years, Rock Hill’s Country Carrot relocates, expands farmers’ market

The Country Carrot farmer’s market has relocated to Rock Hill’s Pecan Grove neighborhood, the company announced last week on social media.

Unlike typical farmers’ markets, The Country Carrot sells online and in-store, offering locally grown and produced food products.

Owners Courtney and Damien McAlister opened The Country Carrot in June 2021 after recognizing a demand for fresh vegetables and local products.

“During the pandemic, we saw the need for a significant change, which led to the creation of The Country Carrot and our move to Rock Hill,” McAlister told The Herald. “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.”

The Country Carrot carries fresh canned preserves, a variety of mushrooms and fruits as well as fresh milk from many local farmers.

The new location, more than double the size of the previous one with a 1,200 square feet increase, fulfills 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. “This space is a significant step forward, and we are incredibly grateful for the community’s support.”

The Country Carrot plans to offer cooking classes and hands-on culinary workshops this fall. Additionally, it will provide gardening classes and sessions for farmers on topics such as financial management, social media, and farmers market basics. Experts from Clemson Extension will assist with these programs.

Food hub network

The Country Carrot collaborates with area farmers around York, Lancaster and Union counties and small businesses to provide local, sustainable food. It offers fresh produce to customers on a weekly basis in a cost-effective manner.

Customers may place orders online for local pickup or opt for delivery, which is available in York, Chester, and Lancaster counties. The market is currently working on partnering with a delivery service for the Rock Hill area.

The market is part of the SC Food Hub Network, a system of local partners across the state that creates more opportunities, according to McAlister. The networks partners share the same goal of supporting local farmers and helping the community access local food.

“When you buy local, you support your community,” McAlister said.

The new market location is at 2429 Cherry Rd. and will open from 10- 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, with extended hours starting at 8 a.m. on Wednesdays.

More information is available at its website .