The Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork program increases awareness of buying local while teaming up with a local charitable organization.  The events highlight local farmers, Kentucky Proud farm products and local chefs while raising money for a local approved organization.

The Webster County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Webster County Farmers’ market, local producers, Kentucky Department of Agriculture and volunteers came together to plan and implement the first Webster County Farm to Fork in August 2019.  One hundred eleven tickets were sold, and a waiting list was started once the event of “sold out”.  The Webster County Farmers’ Market selected “Caring for Webster County Cancer Fighters, Inc.” as the 5013c organization to receive proceeds from the event.  Due to the global pandemic, there wasn’t farm to fork events for 2020 and 2021.  The 2022 Farm to Fork event sold out within two weeks with one hundred thirty tickets sold.   “Webster County Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet” was selected as the 501c3 organization.  

These events were a true “farm to fork”. With only six farmers market vendors, the meals (hors d’oeuvres, entree’ and desserts) were 95% locally produced food right in Webster County for the attendees.  Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles said in his address, “To have 95% of the food for the meal be grown in this county for this event is remarkable”.  The food was prepared by owner and chef of O.T.’s Café located in Webster County.  Webster County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources served as the master of ceremonies.  

Farm to Fork left a positive impression on Webster County, Farmers Markets, KY Agriculture and a sense of pride for our rural county. Agriculture touches everyone, directly or indirectly, and Farm to Fork events bring farmers and end users together in the same room.   As important as all of that is, being able to give back to the communities through a non-profit 501c3 organization is hands down what ties this collaboration together.  The event 2019 raised $2,970.00 for the Caring for Webster County Cancer Fighters, Inc. organization.  The 2022 event raised $8040.00 for the Webster County Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet.  For every $30.00 donation a pair of shoes can be purchased which translates to 268 pairs of shoes for Webster County children.  Webster County Extension served as the lead facilitator, farmers market vendors provided the food, local caterer prepared the food, participants bought the tickets and Caring for Webster County Cancer Fighters and Webster County Happy Feet Equals Learning Feet received much needed donations.    Farm to Fork is an exceptional program.