Author: Courtney Jenkins
Planning Unit: Agriculture and Natural Resources Programs
Major Program: Local Food Systems
Plan of Work: Promoting Sustainable, Healthy Lifestyles and Communities
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
Food insecurity has been a challenge in Magoffin County for many years. Access to fresh food in a county that is already considered a food desert, coupled with the current pandemic, has only increased food insecurity among many families. The majority of these families are eligible for supplemental food assistance, including the Senior and WIC Farmers' Market Nutrition Programs, which are administered by the Senior Center and the local Health Department, respectively.
For the fourth consecutive year, the ANR agent received a $2,667 KY Double Dollars grant from Community Farm Alliance to allow WIC and Senior FMNP participants to double their vouchers up to $12 per day when purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables at the Magoffin County Farmers Market.
As a result of this grant, more than 100 WIC and Senior FMNP participants were able to double the amount of fresh produce they were able to provide to their families. In addition, the local farmers nearly doubled their market income. Participants and farmers alike continue to be appreciative of the difference the KY Double Dollars make nutritionally and economically, especially during the pandemic.