Success StoryPromoting Local Food Systems



Promoting Local Food Systems

Author: Jason Phillips

Planning Unit: Simpson County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Horticulture

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

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.  






Stories by Jason Phillips


Franklin-Simpson Farmers' Market Hometown Harvest Dinner

about 4 months ago by Jason Phillips

The Simpson County Extension Agent for Agriculture helped to locate the Franklin-Simpson Farmers Mar... Read More


Italian Ryegrass Control Research Trial

about 4 months ago by Jason Phillips

Over the last few years, Italian Ryegrass has become an increasingly problematic weed for grain prod... Read More


Stories by Simpson County CES


“Low Income Families Gain Valuable Knowledge”

“Low Income Families Gain Valuable Knowledge”

about 4 months ago by Amy Lawrence

Food resource management and food safety are two critical areas affecting Kentuckians. According to ... Read More


4-H International Programs

about 3 months ago by Catherine Webster

In our increasingly interconnected world, young people must acquire the knowledge and skills to enga... Read More