Food Truck Friday

Author: Hunter Carroll

Major Program: Local Food System Development and Mapping

Over the summer of 2024, the ANR, 4-H, and FCS noticed a decline in the local farmer's market. This led to farmers being discouraged from setting up at the market because almost no one was coming and buying local produce after discussing with the farmers, community, and agents for their opinions. Then agents brainstormed, thinking of what bring in more people to the farmers' market; after much discussion, the agents concluded that any attempt to increase numbers at the farmers market is

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Growing Fruits and Vegetables in a Large School Garden Utilized by the School Food Service

Author: Glen Roberts

Major Program: Local Food System Development and Mapping

Growing Fruit and Vegetables in a large school garden utilized by the school food serviceby Glen RobertsPlanning Unit: Wayne County CESMajor Program: Horticulture, CommercialCollaborators: Glen Roberts, ANR agent, Terry Bertram, ANR assistant, Danny Adams, KSU Small Farm Assistant, Justin Horton and Derrick Pyles, FFA Advisers/VoAg instructors, Casey Holt, School Food Service Director, Master Gardeners, VoAg and FCS students. Situation:  Today`s youth are unaware how their food is

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West Louisville Urban Growers Learn About Soil Health

Author: Kelly Rawalt

Major Program: Local Food System Development and Mapping

More than 120,000 people in Jefferson County experience food insecurity, with limited access to fresh, locally grown produce, especially in the West End (Dare to Care, 2019). Urban growers in these communities often face barriers such as lack of infrastructure, tools, certifications, and technical support needed to scale production or meet food safety standards. In response, Kentucky State University’s Cooperative Extension Community Resource Development Program launched the Urban Gro

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Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit 2025

Author: Ashton Potter

Major Program: Local Food System Development and Mapping

The Food Connection hosted the 7th annual Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit May 21st-22nd, 2025 at The 90 and Fasig-Tipton. This annual event brings together local food systems stakeholders, Extension personnel, farmers, chefs, buyers, and community members interested in building a more robust and connected local food system in Kentucky. This year's Summit was offered in partnership with FoodChain's FEAST event which allowed us to attract more chefs and other folks who may not have atte

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Sowing the Seeds of Change: Elevating Kentucky's Local Food Systems Summit

Author: LaToya Drake

Major Program: Local Food System Development and Mapping

When Kentuckians choose to purchase locally grown food, studies show that up to $7 out of every $10 spent stays within the local economy, directly supporting Kentucky’s farmers and community-based businesses. With this in mind, the 2025 Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit + F.E.A.S.T. aimed to unite food system professionals, farmers, chefs, and community leaders to explore solutions for creating a more sustainable and vibrant local food economy. To ensure the summit&rsq

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Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit 2025 - Engaging with KY Cooperative Extension Service

Author: Tanya Whitehouse

Major Program: Local Food System Development and Mapping

Cooperative Extension Service (CES) professionals who understand the local food system can help foster partnerships between farmers, consumers, distributors, institutions such as schools and universities, community organizers, and businesses/organizations. With this know-how CES professionals can provide education to increase access to nutritious affordable food and education about nutrition and cooking skills, particularly in low income audiences. With a local food systems background, CES agent

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