Hickman County Cooperative Extension Service and the Rotary Park Committee co-hosted the second Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork Fundraising Dinner on August 10, 2018. This was unique opportunity to simultaneously eat a delicious Kentucky Proud meal prepared by local caterers and bakers, Cooperative Extension staff and volunteers while supporting our local food pantry. The Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork purpose is to partner with local organizations to increase awareness of Kentucky Proud foods and benefit a charity within their community. Under the program, participating organizations host dinners that serve dishes made with local foods to highlight local farms, farmers, producers, and Kentucky Proud products. The local FFA chapter, as well as the local family-consumer high school class volunteered to serve the meal.

Appetizers featured Farmhouse Cheese Board from Kenny Farmhouse Cheese, Glazed Cantaloupe Bread (A Plate It Up Recipe) featuring Cunningham Farms Cantaloupe and Wood Family Eggs, Tomato Salsa with Morrison Farms tomatoes, Tillie's Squash Relish by Stella Coffman, and Bacon and Cheese Cups featured Harper's Bacon, and Bruschetta featuring Martie Templeton Herbs, and Rushing Family Garden. The salad featured Asiago Cheese from Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, Tomatoes from Cunningham Farms. The Plated Dinner featured Grill Pork Loin sponsored by Tosh Farms and Smoked Beef Medallions. Side dishes were Fresh Green Beans with Cunningham Farms, Rushing and Crider garden, Buttered Parsley Potatoes from Cunningham Farms and Herbs from Martie and Kris Templeton, and a Vegetable Medley featuring vegetables from Cunningham Farms. Dessert featured a trio of Homemade Salted Caramel Ice Cream, Sugar Crusted Pound Cake with a Peach/Berry Compote and Chocolate Chess. Eggs were sourced from Springhill Peeps and Armstrong Family Eggs, Berries were sourced from Cunningham Farms and Lawrence Berries and the Ice Cream was sourced from Chaney’s Dairy Barn.

The Farm to Fork Committee is working together to increase awareness of our local food bank, The Mission House and the Statewide Hunger Initiative. The Mission House serves as a center point of the community and is a heavily utilized resource for many in our area especially for families who experience hunger. They distribute commodities and goods to the individuals and families of Hickman County who have need. They also support the Feeding America program and have an emergency pantry and thrift store. The donation for this event exceeded $1,000 and over 150 people were able to come together and experience a meal that featured locally grown produce.