Image by South Carolina Department of AgricultureImage by 20080615freshonthemenu.jpg Fresh and local is what the program is all about.

If you'd rather eat Johns Island tomatoes than Chilean ones, the "Fresh on the Menu" program is for you.

The program comes from the S.C. Department of Agriculture and allows approved restaurants to display the programs logo if their menus "include at least 25 percent Certified South Carolina Grown foods and products in season."

The idea is that diners get fresher, local ingredients and local farmers get more business.

Sounds like a pretty good pairing to us, so look for the logo or ask about the program when you dine out. The program is being started in the Charleston area, and some 50 restaurants are participating.

The department also offers a PDF of when various produce is in season in South Carolina.