LaRue County Kentucky has an adult food insecurity rate of 13.2 percent with 17 percent being SNAP eligible according to Kentuckyhealthfacts.org.

LaRue County Farmers Market operates weekly for 9 weeks during the summer.

LaRue County Extension Service Family and Consumer Science and Agriculture and Agriculture Agent distributed  Senior Farmers Market Vouchers from Kentucky Department of Agriculture worth $50 each to 80 senior adults along with recipes to prepare fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Over the years, no other local entity has stepped up to offer this program consistently, so the LaRue County office Agriculture Agent helps manage the Farmers market, the voucher distribution. 

Comments from participants included:

“Without these vouchers, I wouldn't be buying local vegetables."

“We loved the Farmers Market Squash Casserole. It has become a favorite meal of ours and with the vouchers it is a budget friendly meal item.”

By providing recipes and vouchers for ingredients it is proven that families increase consumption of vegetables and fruits which contributes to improved diet quality and overall better health and prevention of chronic disease.