Success StoryLong-term growth and success for the Metcalfe County Farmers Market: A community and economic development project of the Metcalfe County Cooperative Extension Service



Long-term growth and success for the Metcalfe County Farmers Market: A community and economic development project of the Metcalfe County Cooperative Extension Service

Author: Lynn Blankenship

Planning Unit: Metcalfe County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Nutrition and Food Systems

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome


The Metcalfe County Farmers Market (MCFM) continues to grow and increase in capacity. MCFM 2021 season ran every Friday beginning on April 2, continuing through November 19, 2021.  Four first time vendors participated with MCFM during the 2021 season. 2021 was the first full – season for MCFM under the newly constructed, larger farmers market pavilion.  The new pavilion was full of market day vendors on Fridays, from June – October 2021.   The larger space can accommodate approximately 50% more producer tables, than the old pavilion.  

The 2021 MCFM season was the first during the 12-year history of the MCFM, where the market charged a $5.00 per day vendor table set – up fee.  The 2021 reported producer income for the season came in at $54, 575.00, an increase of $8174.00 over the 2020 reported vendor income and an increase of $24,104.00 over the 2019 MCFM vendor reported income.  2021 season also saw the greatest number of producer vendors who pre-paid the $75.00 annual membership fee (sixteen), to support the Metcalfe County Farmers Market as a member.  

MCFM and the Metcalfe County FCS Agent increased outreach to customers with SNAP benefits, through flyer advertisement with the Metcalfe County Family Services office, the Metcalfe County Health Department, Public Schools Family Resource Youth Service Centers, and Bowling Community Park USDA Food Commodities distribution program.   These efforts saw significant increase in SNAP benefit usage at the MCFM during the 2021 season, with $ 2,420.00 income from SNAP/EBT an increase of $2265.00 over the reported 2020 SNAP/EBT income and $1680.00 over the 2019 SNAP/EBT income.






Stories by Lynn Blankenship


Gardening and Outdoor Activity for Physical and Mental Healthiness

about 3 years ago by Lynn Blankenship

This FCS Agent created a comprehensive curriculum and evaluation, for the April 2021 Mammoth Cave Ar... Read More


Kick Kentucky Cancer Series Virtual Metcalfe County and SOKY area Pilot

about 3 years ago by Lynn Blankenship

According to the American Cancer Society (2021), one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer i... Read More


Stories by Metcalfe County CES


Gardening and Outdoor Activity for Physical and Mental Healthiness

about 3 years ago by Lynn Blankenship

This FCS Agent created a comprehensive curriculum and evaluation, for the April 2021 Mammoth Cave Ar... Read More


Youth Dairy Education

about 3 years ago by Gary Bell

The Mammoth Cave area is the heart of the dairy industry in Kentucky. Over 50% of the states total d... Read More