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


Cleaner Rainwater in Hardin County

about 1 months ago by Amy Aldenderfer

Describe the Issue or Situation.Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners,... Read More


Reaching Farther with Hort Webinar Wednesdays

about 1 months ago by Amy Aldenderfer

Describe the Issue or Situation.What began as a short-term stopgap for in person programming during ... Read More


Stories by Hardin County CES


CYFAR (Children, Youth, and Families at Risk) Grant Supports Field Trip for Youth in Hardin County-Sept. 2024

CYFAR (Children, Youth, and Families at Risk) Grant Supports Field Trip for Youth in Hardin County-Sept. 2024

about 1 months ago by Chandra DeRamus

Title:CYFAR (Children, Youth, and Families at Risk) Grant Supports Field Trip for Youth in Hardin Co... Read More


Meat Bird Processing Workshop Supports Homesteading Movement

Meat Bird Processing Workshop Supports Homesteading Movement

about 1 months ago by William Crawford

Homesteading has been increasing in popularity since 2020. According to data from the Homesteaders o... Read More