Eating local isn’t just a fashionable trend.  By eating local farm produce and animal products, consumers may just find a positive correlation for improved health, nutrition, personal finances and even a positive impact in your community by financially supporting local farms.  For a second year, Allen County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with local farmers, Extension Volunteers and the 4-H Program to host our Annual Farm to Fork Event.  “The Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork program aims to increase awareness of farm to table benefits and the Commonwealth’s local food movement by teaming up with organizations to raise money for community charities. Host organizations organize events that highlight local farms, farmers, producers and Kentucky Proud farm products.”  - Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Farm to Fork Program

On August 28, 2024, the Allen County Cooperative Extension Service and the Farm to Fork Committee co-hosted the second Annual Farm to Fork Fundraising Dinner. The event aimed to promote Kentucky Proud foods from local farms, as well as provide support to the Allen County 4-H Program from the proceeds of the event. The dinner featured a delicious Kentucky Proud meal by a local caterer, Allen County Homemakers and 4-H Members. This provided an opportunity to enjoy local food while contributing to a good cause. The dinner, was held at Peach Tree Farm and Green House, and showcased dishes made with locally sourced ingredients from 19 producers in Allen County. The menu included a choice of brisket, chicken, or pork chop, along with sides such as green beans, potatoes, watermelon salad, cheesy corn casserole, and sourdough rolls. 

The event was attended by approximately 160 guests and raised over $1,000 for the Allen County 4-H Program. The dinner was made even more special with the presence of esteemed guest speakers, including Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathon Shell, Executive Director of Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy Brandon Reed, and Kentucky 4-H Vice President Ty Jones, who delivered insightful speeches. Overall, the event was a great success, bringing together the community to support local agriculture and the 4-H Program.