Throughout the United States there has been an increased interest in local food. This interest has helped farmers find new opportunities to market directly to the consumer or put a “face with the food.”Kentucky has 85,260 farms with an average 164 acres.Local food systems further small agricultural businesses and allow consumers to know the producer and how the products have been grown/ raised or processed.

Locally grown produce is a nutrient-rich product because produce allowed to ripen on the plant contains a higher concentration of antioxidant. It also reduces the carbon footprint by reducing distance it is transported. The McCracken County Master Food Volunteers partner with the Downtown Paducah Farmers' Market during their "Celebration Saturdays" that take place on Saturdays during the growing season.

The Master Food Volunteers have been "GAP-Good Agricultural Services" trained and offer demonstrations and sampling at the market focusing on in-season produce that the farmers are selling. The highlighting of the in-season produce in the Kentucky Proud recipes help the farmers to sell more of their produce.

McCracken County conducted 6 events at the local farmer’s market between May and September. Events included:

Grand Opening Celebration

Shortcake Showdown

Super Food Saturday

Hot August Blues 

Fiber Arts Festival

Taste of the Garden for Wurth's Farms.

  Over 900 people were reached, with over 70% of people reporting that they tried a new food for the first time, 82% reporting they plan to purchase and try the new produce at home.Participating farmers reported an increase in sales on the days that the Extension service conducted educational activities.