Success StoryFarm to Table Event shows the Value of Supporting Local Farmers



Farm to Table Event shows the Value of Supporting Local Farmers

Author: Daniel Carpenter

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Nutrition and Food Systems

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The LaRue County Extension Office and LaRue County Farm Bureau Federation held it’s 4th annual Faith, Family, Farms and Food Dinner. The proceeds went to benefit the LaRue County FFA chapter. The entire dinner was sourced locally. All of the fruits and vegetables were from LaRue County, while the meats and cheeses were sourced from just outside the county lines. The menu included all the farms that the meal supported. The LaRue County Pork Producers prepared the pork for the meal. Tickets were $25 each and over 400 tickets were sold.  

The LaRue County ANR agent and EFNEP assistant helped procure the ingredients from local farmers and organized the dinner and the setup and take down of for the event. The meal consisted of appetizers, refreshments, main meal, and desserts all prepared by local farmers and restaurant owners. All ingredients were locally sourced within 100 miles. 

The square in Hodgenville was shut down and tables were lined up around the Abraham Lincoln statue in the square. All 50+ tables were decorated with fresh cut flower vases that were collected the day before the event and put together by volunteers at the extension office. Throughout the evening, we played audio from the farmers who provided products for the evening to help tell their story about how the menu items were produced that were featured in the meal. The majority of the meal was entrees featured in the Kentucky plate it up recipes. The event is featured in local newspaper and tourism pamphlets promoting the county and is a highly anticipated event each year. Over the years we have noticed people buying products at the Farmers Market to prepare dishes that have been featured at this dinner and asking for copies of the recipe.






Stories by Daniel Carpenter


Competition Helps Teach Agronomy

about 1 years ago by Daniel Carpenter

The LaRue County Agriculture Extension Agent has worked with the High School Agriculture department ... Read More


Beef Programs

about 2 years ago by Daniel Carpenter

Local cattlemens association programs held this year included: Livestock risk protection and options... Read More


Stories by Hardin County CES


“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of Technology & Videos”

“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of Technology & Videos”

about 1 years ago by Chandra DeRamus

Success Story | December 2021Chandra DeRamus“Preparing Families for Holiday Spending thru the Use of... Read More


Empowering Youth Toward’s Tomorrow’s Future thru Life Skills Programs-March 2022

Empowering Youth Toward’s Tomorrow’s Future thru Life Skills Programs-March 2022

about 1 years ago by Chandra DeRamus

March 2022Over the last year the state of Kentucky has seen some changes in how things are done with... Read More


Stories by Local Food Systems


Reinvigorating the Riverview Farmers' Market

Reinvigorating the Riverview Farmers' Market

about 1 years ago by Thomas Mann

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Riverview Farmers Market was busy and productive, with many memb... Read More


Farm to Table Story Walk and Field Day

Farm to Table Story Walk and Field Day

about 1 years ago by Ruth Chowning

There are only 486 farms in Bullitt County according to the 2017 USDA Ag Census, a number that shrin... Read More