DIVISION OF FOOD DISTRIBUTION
The Division of Food Distribution contributes to the nutritional well being of the citizens of Kentucky by distributing USDA commodities to eligible recipient agencies.
USDA FOODS in schools
The Division of Food Distribution coordinates the distribution of USDA foods to more than 600 public and private nonprofit schools that participate in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). The USDA Foods in Schools program supports American agricultural producers by providing nutritious, USDA-purchased food to schools. USDA provides over $33 million a year for 195 school systems across Kentucky, serving over 630,000 students daily. Annually, about $6 million of entitlement funding is used to purchase fresh produce to assist in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to Kentucky students.
COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM
The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for Kentucky residents. The program supplements the diets of participants by providing generous monthly packages of food carefully selected to provide nutritious food for a well-balanced diet, as well as nutritional education and information to enable recipients to enjoy healthier eating habits and healthier lives. Over $6 million of food is made available to approximately 30,000 senior citizens at 118 locations across the state.
the EMERGENCY FEEDING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Emergency Feeding Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of eligible Kentuckians by providing healthy foods at no cost. Under TEFAP, USDA foods are made available to local agencies for distribution to needy households for use in preparing meals for home consumption, or to organizations that prepare and provide meals for the needy. Food for this program is purchased by the USDA to support US agricultural producers. Recipients of food for home use must meet program eligibility criteria set by the federal and state governments.
FARM TO SCHOOL
We at KDA are committed to our farmers and our communities. The goal of Farm to School is to bring together the freshness and high quality of our Kentucky Proud products and our local schools. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture has several programs that assist schools and local producers with procurement, menu development, procurement, marketing and food service training on the use of local foods.
SENIOR FARMERS' MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM
The purpose of the Kentucky Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is to improve the nutrition of eligible seniors by providing them with better access to fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers’ markets. Funding for Kentucky's program comes from federal and state resources. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) serves as the lead agency for Senior FMNP. Eligible seniors are provided with $50 each season to purchase fresh, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs at State-approved farmers' markets. The program provides around $400,000 to Kentucky farmers each year.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. See disclaimer.