The local food movement is a constant pillar of growth in the Grayson County agriculture community. In 2022 alone, the Farmer’s Market grossed $20,000 and that did not include those local farmers who sold by farm stand or direct to consumer. Due to the rise in discussion of the local food systems, the Grayson County Extension Council voted to host a Farm to Fork Dinner. The KY Proud Farm to Fork program was designed to increase awareness of the local food movement by partnering with organizations to benefit a charity in the local community. Typically, this event is partnered with local producers, community volunteers, and supporters. The Grayson County Extension Council hosted its first annual Farm to Fork dinner on September 7, 2023, on East Main Street on the square in Leitchfield. This program highlighted local farmer’s market participants, KY proud products, and local charitable organizations. The program provided an educational background about local food in Grayson County and highlighted the growing movement in our community. The Grayson County Agriculture and Natural Resources agent worked with the Family Consumer Sciences agent, 4-H Youth Development agent, and support staff, and committee to promote the program, procure food, catering, and decorations for the program. The local non-profit receiving the dinner's proceeds was the Grayson County FFA Alumni and Supporters. This organization is made up of Grayson County FFA Alumni and their supporters who are eliminating financial barriers to the chapter to benefit all FFA members and their future in local agriculture and horticulture. The non-profit was selected by voting CEC membership. 

Overall, the Farm to Fork dinner was a success for the first year. One hundred and fifteen of the 150 tickets were sold. Donations from 18 businesses and community partners came in, and $3,500 was presented to the FFA Alumni and Supporters after expenses. The dinner also was able to bring $2,000 to the 9 local farms and 3 local floral and agriculture organizations represented at the dinner. The County Extension Council heard many positive reviews from the participants. Some of the comments from the participants were excited that a local dinner was offered in the county. “This was a great success, and the event did a great job highlighting what local food means to our community.”  

Now that the first event is behind us, Family and Consumer Sciences will work with this event to provide recipes through the Plate it Up Kentucky Proud project to highlight local commodities.