Success StoryCommercial Kitchen Opens



Commercial Kitchen Opens

Author: Shad Baker

Planning Unit: Letcher County CES

Major Program: Local Food Systems

Plan of Work: Grow It Local and Reap the Harvest

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome

Commercial Kitchens are a way to expand market opportunities for Kentucky farmers. And while this approach has found marginal success in other counties, the newest such kitchen has a unique angle. Letcher County's Community Agricultural & Nutritional Enterprises (CANE), Inc. is tied closely to the healthcare industry, in fact it was created through a partnership between Mountain Comprehensive Health Corporation (MCHC), Letcher Co. Extension, GROW Appalachia, and local producers. This partnership gives the kitchen a broad pool of expertise. Additionally, rather than having producers come to the kitchen to make a product and then go find a market for it, this endeavor has largely been the opposite. Buyers, including a gourmet salad dressing producer that is rapidly expanded his offerings in regional supermarkets, have recruited producers to supply necessary ingredients for his dressings.

The Letcher County Extension Service has been involved in the planning for the kitchen from the beginning. The ANR and FCS agents teamed up to provide kitchen-required trainings, safety trainings, production advice and educational materials along with budget forms for multiple crops. Extension also partnered to provide necessary equipment for the operation. The office holds a permanent seat on the CANE Board. The grand opening of the CANE kitchen in late August saw over 300 attendees. Extension was recognized repeatedly for our contributions.

 As a result of the kitchen development, producers have already begun approaching the office for specific crop recommendations. They are also planning their 2019 production to accommodate the demands. The office is working on a MarketReady partnership between University of Kentucky and local producers to further the options for growers.






Stories by Shad Baker


Extension Helps Flood First Responders with QPR training

about 1 years ago by Shad Baker

When the historic floods of 2022 hit in July, one of the critical issues that quickly came to light ... Read More


Hiking for Health

about 1 years ago by Shad Baker

Kentucky ranks in the top five states for obesity with 36% of the population (38% in Letcher County)... Read More


Stories by Letcher County CES


Making a difference in our people.

about 1 years ago by Crystal Smith

Making a difference in our people.People ask me why I want to be a 4-H agent? What makes it the best... Read More


Lil Buckaroo Boot Camp

about 1 years ago by Crystal Smith

Summer Camp began at The Stables at Creekside Glen and local Letcher and Harlan County youth attende... Read More