The Extension Service along with the Agriculture Advisory Council in Simpson County work hard to promote local food systems.  Local foods are very nutritious and taste better due to freshness.  People can make personal relationships with the farmers that produce these products and learn more about the overall food production process.  Also, buying local makes a positive impact on the local economy.  Many studies have shown that those local food dollars are often spent again locally, so there are exponential benefits.

As a result of these needs, the Extension Service and Ag Advisory Council have worked to provide a couple of programs that will boost local food sales and consumption.  First, the Agriculture Awareness Breakfast was held in March of '23.  The majority of foods showcased at the breakfast were purchased directly from local producers.  To further emphasize the importance of local food products, youth presenters from 4-H and FFA spoke followed by the the Agriculture Commissioner of Kentucky, Ryan Quarrels, spoke about agriculture in Kentucky and the importance of local foods.    

Secondly, the Extension Service worked closely with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to offer Senior Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Benefits for the first time ever in Simpson County.  The Extension Service staff distributed these benefits at the local Senior Center to 50 qualifying individuals.  Qualifications included age and income stipulations set forth through the farm bill.

Both programs were meant to promote local foods to everyone in Simpson County.  The Agriculture Appreciation Breakfast was advertised to every resident of Simpson County.  Whereas, the Senior SNAP Program only allowed for individuals that met the age and income requirements to participate.  This program made nutritious foods  that they otherwise potentially could not afford available to them.  These benefits also had to be spent on fruits and vegetables at the Farmers' Market which boosted local vendor sales.

157 people attended the Agriculture Appreciation Breakfast.  Seven different types of local foods were featured during the breakfast which resulted in a substantial contribution to local producers.  Senior SNAP Benefits are worth $50 per person, so an 100% redemption rate will result in $2,500 going directly to Franklin-Simpson Farmers' Market vendors.  This program has also allowed great opportunities for teaching seniors about KY Proud recipes featuring fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season.