When Kentuckians choose to purchase locally grown food, studies show that up to $7 out of every $10 spent stays within the local economy, directly supporting Kentucky’s farmers and community-based businesses. With this in mind, the 2025 Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit + F.E.A.S.T. aimed to unite food system professionals, farmers, chefs, and community leaders to explore solutions for creating a more sustainable and vibrant local food economy. To ensure the summit’s success, strategic communications played a key role in raising awareness, broadening reach, and engaging local food advocates, professionals, and community members. Through social media management, television appearances, and podcast recordings, the summit and The Food Connection at UK effectively shared its mission, goals, and educational content across multiple platforms, reaching thousands and creating lasting partnerships to strengthen Kentucky’s local food systems and reinvest in our communities.

The outreach strategy engaged over 200 individuals who attended the two-day summit, with an extended reach to thousands through social media, television broadcasts, and the podcast. The Summit attracted a diverse audience of local food systems professionals, farmers, chefs, community leaders, students, and academics involved in food, health, and sustainability expanding the event's impact across Kentucky and beyond.

The communication efforts resulted in a substantial increase in visibility for the Summit and The Food Connection’s programs. Through targeted outreach, the event saw a notable rise in community engagement and participation, creating opportunities for networking, education, and collaboration among attendees. The television segments and podcast episodes allowed for additional community-wide exposure, bringing the conversations on sustainability, local food systems, and food access to a broader audience. As a result, the summit not only strengthened local food systems but also fostered ongoing conversations and partnerships that will continue to support Kentucky’s food movement for years to come. Find related media and more here: https://foodconnection.ca.uky.edu/about-us/publications-and-press 

By strengthening Kentucky’s local food systems, we advance economic vitality, community health, and long-term sustainability for all.