The Kentucky Proud Farm to Fork program increases awareness of buying local while teaming up with a local charitable organization.  The events highlight local farmers, Kentucky Proud farm products and local chefs while raising money for a local approved organization.

The Webster County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Webster County Farmers’ market, local producers, Kentucky Department of Agriculture and volunteers came together to plan and implement the first Webster County Farm to Fork in August 2019.  One hundred eleven tickets were sold, and a waiting list was started once the event of “sold out”.  The Webster County Farmers’ Market selected “Caring for Webster County Cancer Fighters, Inc.” as the 5013c organization to receive proceeds from the event.

This event was a true “farm to fork”. With only six farmers market vendors, the meal (hors d’oeuvres, entree’ and desserts) was 95% locally produced food right in Webster County for nearly 120 attendees.   Commissioner of Agriculture Ryan Quarles said in his address, “To have 95% of the food for the meal be grown in this county for this event is remarkable”.  The Mayor of Dixon volunteered to decorate with flowers grown in Webster County.  The food was prepared by owner and chef of O.T.’s Café located in Webster County.   Webster County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources served as the master of ceremonies.  

Farm to Fork left a positive impression on Webster County, Farmers Markets, KY Agriculture and a sense of pride for our rural county. Agriculture touches everyone, directly or indirectly, and Farm to Fork events bring farmers and end users together in the same room.   As important as all of that is, being able to give back to the communities through a non-profit 501c3 organization is hands down what ties this collaboration together.  The event raised $2,970.00 for the Caring for Webster County Cancer Fighters, Inc. organization.  Webster County Extension served as the lead facilitator, farmers market vendors provided the food, local caterer prepared the food, participants bought the tickets and Caring for Webster County Cancer Fighters received a much needed donations.   It was an exceptional program.  In the words of a Webster County producer and attendee "Our family has never been more proud of our agriculture community".