Grayson County took step toward improving community health and supporting local agriculture through a Food is Medicine roundtable—an initiative led by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association. In partnership with the Grayson County Healthcare Foundation and Owensboro Health Twin Lakes, Extension played a pivotal role in hosting this event, which brought together more than 40 local leaders, healthcare professionals, farmers, and community partners.

A major highlight of the event was the visit from Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell, who participated in the roundtable discussion and a live canning demonstration alongside the FCS Extension Agent. The event was designed to explore how the Food is Medicine initiative can create real change by increasing access to nutritious, locally grown foods while strengthening support for area farmers.

Extension’s involvement was comprehensive, showcasing the strength of a true multi-disciplinary approach:

• The FCS Agent led a canning demonstration with Commissioner Shell, highlighting safe food preservation as a tool for seasonal eating and improved food access.
• The 4-H Youth Development Agent shared efforts to increase agricultural literacy in local schools, planting the seeds for long-term community understanding of food systems.
• The Nutrition Education Program (NEP) Assistant discussed the breadth of nutrition programs offered in the community and how they are reaching families with practical, budget-friendly education.
• The Agriculture Agent provided insights into the upcoming Disaster Preparedness Summit, emphasizing how local food systems play a role in resilience during emergencies.

Lunch was served using Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud recipes featuring locally sourced ingredients—offering attendees a tangible example of how local food can be both nutritious and delicious.

Additional voices included the Director of the local Alliance Food Pantry, who addressed the reality of food insecurity in the region and the opportunities for improving access to fresh foods through partnerships with local producers.

This event was more than a discussion—it was a launchpad. It demonstrated how collaborative leadership among healthcare, agriculture, education, and local organizations can align to create a healthier, more food-secure community. By highlighting the connection between local food systems and chronic disease prevention, Food is Medicine has the potential to shift both health outcomes and economic opportunity in Grayson County.

Extension’s leadership and programming expertise across all areas were instrumental in the success of the event, providing education, resources, and coordination to move this initiative forward. With ongoing collaboration, this effort can reshape how the community views food—not just as nourishment, but as a critical tool for wellness, resilience, and local prosperity.