Success StoryHardin County Farmers' Market Wins "Best Of" Second Year in a Row



Hardin County Farmers' Market Wins "Best Of" Second Year in a Row

Author: Dayna Fentress

Planning Unit: Hardin County CES

Major Program: Farmer's Markets

Plan of Work: Accessing Nutritious Foods and Making Healthy Lifestyle Choices

Outcome: Long-Term Outcome


For the past three years, the Family and Consumer Sciences Program has aimed to increase the volume and awareness of the Hardin County Farmers' Market. By offering child and adult programs at the market and taking over their social media advertising, the FCS agent and the Farmers' Market board have worked to increase fruit and vegetable intake of Hardin County residents while also promoting the local food system. The market has seen steady and continued growth for the past two summers, with vendors estimating 20% increases in sales, and estimating double the crowd from previous years. Market vendors say the past three summers have been their best in over 20 years. In addition to the increased customer attendance at each market session, the market was awarded the third best farmers' market in Kentucky by Kentucky Living with their "Best of" awards. This award allows even more recognition, which will in turn increase attendance, increasing local food purchases and fruit and vegetable intake. More than 18,000 customers visited the market during the 2019 season. Over 600 youth visited the children's activities, and over 200 adults participated in adult activities as well. Social media followership and engagement has increased more than 500% from previous years.






Stories by Dayna Fentress


Goldenyears Conference Educates and Encourages Affairs Be in Order

about 4 months ago by Dayna Fentress

Inspired by one Homemakers own experience after the loss of her mother, the GoldenYears Wellness and... Read More


Hardin County Homemakers Donate Thousands of Volunteer Hours

about 4 months ago by Dayna Fentress

The Hardin County Extension Homemakers are involved in a wide variety of community service projects,... Read More


Stories by Hardin County CES


“CYFAR Grant Youth Group from Hardin County Explores Jr. Manrrs Leadership Institute”-Dec. 2024

“CYFAR Grant Youth Group from Hardin County Explores Jr. Manrrs Leadership Institute”-Dec. 2024

about 4 months ago by Chandra DeRamus

January 11, 2024“CYFAR Grant Youth Group from Hardin County Explores Jr. Manrrs Leadership Institute... Read More


“Financial Literacy Reading Program A Success with Youth at Public Library in Hardin County”-October 2023

“Financial Literacy Reading Program A Success with Youth at Public Library in Hardin County”-October 2023

about 4 months ago by Chandra DeRamus

“Financial Literacy Reading Program A Success with Youth at Public Library in Hardin County”Over the... Read More