During the “Local Foods, Local Places” community discussion in Frankfort, people voiced a desire for increased school gardens and more locally sourced foods in school meals. As a response to this need, the Love Local Lunch initiative was established for Frankfort Independent Schools. This project emerged through the collaborative efforts of the Farm to School Coordinator, The Farmers Market, and dedicated community volunteers.

The Love Local Lunch provided a complimentary meal to all students, staff, and parents, celebrating local farmers, community partners, and the collective effort of nourishing one another. To prepare this special meal, the Franklin County Extension Office joined forces with the FIS food service staff, Kentucky State University (KSU), and the local Cattlemen’s Association. Together, they grilled 250 pounds of locally sourced sirloin steak to serve over 900 students and guests. The menu also featured baked potatoes, thyme-roasted carrots, butternut squash, and salad, all procured locally, with some ingredients even grown by the students themselves.

Considering that school systems typically allocate less than $2 per student lunch, the fact that FIS students enjoyed a nutritious and locally sourced meal estimated to cost over $7,500 in total is commendable. This achievement was made possible through a combination of funding, donations, and the students’ own efforts.

Numerous community partners contributed to the success of this meal, including the USDA, KY Department of Agriculture, Inside Out Design, Kentucky State University, Franklin County Cooperative Extension, Yes Arts, KY Native Plant Society, Capital Area Extension Master Gardeners, BrokenFork Design, the Jane Julian Farm, and FoodChain.