Success StoryPlate it Up! at the Hardin County Farmer's Market



Plate it Up! at the Hardin County Farmer's Market

Author: Amy Aldenderfer

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Active Living and Health Promotion

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

The eight-year collaboration continues between the Hardin County Farmers’ Market, the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Service and the Lincoln Trail Area Master Gardeners.

 The Master Gardeners provide samples, recipes and information to the shoppers at the Hardin County Farmer’s Market once a month through the growing/selling season. The Master Gardeners prepare two recipes from the Kentucky Proud Plate It Up! Series. Then, pass out samples to the patrons of the Market, encouraging vegetable and fruit purchases. With each successive month, the participation has doubled!

 The patrons can then fill out a survey to receive a small incentive.

 To date the market has doubled the number of shoppers as well as increased their sales 34% on days that the program happens. This may be attributed to the Master Gardeners utilizing social media to advertise their presence at the market on the first and third Saturdays. Participants purchase the ingredients from the recipes that are sampled so that most days the vendors sell out of the items in the recipes.

 Most tasters (about 86%) show an interest in eating more fruits and vegetables.  

Master Gardeners have donated 421 hours to this project. This includes sample preparation, GAP training (now PBPT training), training for Sampling Certificate, and talking to everyone at the Farmer's Market about the recipes they prepared.  






Stories by Amy Aldenderfer


Plate it Up! at the Hardin County Farmer's Market

about 2 years ago by Amy Aldenderfer

The eight-year collaboration continues between the Hardin County Farmers Market, the Hardin County C... Read More


Horticulture Life Skills

about 2 years ago by Amy Aldenderfer

The Gardeners Toolbox Series is a part of the Hardin County Cooperative Extension Services horticult... 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 2 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 2 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 2 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 2 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