Author: Steven Musen
Planning Unit: Jessamine County CES
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Plan of Work: Sustainable and Profitable Agriculture
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
The recognition of the benefits of locally grown foods in terms of superior flavor, food safety and availability of heritage vegetable varieties has caused the popularity of Farmers Markets to steadily increase, especially in urban and sub-urban areas. Jessamine County enjoys two vibrant and growing Farmers Markets, the long-running Wilmore Market and the the more recently established , Nicholasville Farmers Market. The two Farmers Markets are filling a growing demand for locally-grown, health and nutritious vegetable, fruit, meat and baked products.
A KDA Ag. Development Grant was submitted by the manager of the Nicholasville Farmers Market to conduct a "Harmonty Harvest" Farm to Fork Dinner. The Farm to Fork Dinner was promoted through the Nicholasville Farmers Market Facebook page, the Jessamine County Chamber of Commerce website, the Jessamine County Extension Service website, Ag. and Natural Resource's Newsletter, and Facebook pages, and promotion in-person at the Farmers Market. The Jessamine County ANR, FCS and 4-H Youth Development Agents participated in the planning process and contributed paper products and other support.
The Jessamine County Farm to Fork Dinner was held on August 29th at the Jessamine County Extension Office. A total of 28 meal tickets were sold and participants included, community leaders and educators, Farmers Market vendors and customers, A number of silent auction items were donated by Farmers Market vendors and community members. 12 vendors from the Nicholasville Farmers Markets set up displays and marketed their products. A delicious meal was served, prepared by a local caterer, that featured locally grown fruit, vegetables and meat. Money raised by the sale of tickets and silent auction items will go towards offsetting the salary of the Farmers Market Manager in the 2025 market season. The Farm to Fork Dinner was a great success and highlighted the many unique and healthy products available at the Nicholasville Farmers Market. Participants expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in a Farm to Fork event that highlighted locally grown foods and enjoyed the opportunity to meet community members with similar interests.
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