Our LaRue County Farmers Market has struggled throughout the years due to the proximity of other strong Farmers Markets. This was our first year to set up in the LaRue County High School parking lot which was closer to high traffic areas, the school's summer feeding program site, and the high schools aquaponic greenhouse which will be selling lettuce in the market in 2021. We have continued to increase access to, and the amount of, locally produced foods based on sales, number of vendors, number of customers, and redemption and usage of voucher programs. Our amount of vendors and sales both nearly doubled 2019 numbers. We had 11 vendors throughout the season which was twice what we had the previous season. Sales were just shy of $20,000 and we averaged 150 customers per day with around 250 customers on the 4th of July market day. 

It was our second season implementing the Senior Farmers Market Voucher Program and it was great success with a 94% utilization rate and 80 seniors received funds to purchase local fruits and vegetables. Our EFNEP assistant and agriculture agent shared nutrition information and gardening information with customers at every market. We worked with LaRue County Food Service Director to have farmers market vouchers inserted into summer feeding program lunches to encourage healthy eating and promote 4H day camps to our low income households.

Not only have sales increased, we have also reduced the risk of selling local food by requiring vendors to go through Produce Best Practices Training and Private pesticide applicator training. 5 of our 11 vendors were also able to sell produce and meat to local restaurants as a result of them setting up at our farmers market.