By Chris Aldridge

Kentucky Ag News

FRANKFORT - Three Kentucky school systems shared $24,000 in awards for their dedication to purchasing and using locally grown produce and proteins.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) created the new Kentucky Farm to School Stars Recognition Program to recognize school districts that demonstrate a commitment to increase purchases directly from Kentucky farmers.

The three districts whose breakfasts and lunches had the highest percentage of locally produced proteins and produce for an entire school year were: Jackson Independent Schools in Breathitt County, which finished first to win $10,000; Mercer County Public Schools, which placed second and was awarded $8,000; and Barren County Public Schools in third place with a $6,000 prize.

KDA asked each of them to explain what their school systems did to win the funding, which each district must spend on local food purchases during the current 2025-26 school year.

Jackson Independent Schools

“The Jackson Independent School District has developed strong relationships with the local farmers within our community,” Superintendent Wayne Sizemore said. “The process started around four years ago with a meeting through our local 4-H Extension office, encouraging our community members to support local farmers. Through this meeting, our school district was able to brainstorm ideas on utilizing locally produced meats, vegetables, and fruits within our food service program.

“The district was fortunate enough to receive the Local Foods for Schools grant, which supported reimbursement of funds for purchases of locally grown foods that were utilized in our school meals. Over the last four years, the district forged partnerships with three farms in or around Breathitt County, sourcing local beef and pork products along with fresh produce. The results have been tremendous in the products received and the meals prepared for our students.

“The beauty of these partnerships is that our district receives fresh meats and produce, which benefits our students, while also supporting our community and local farmers. At the end of each school year, we conduct a celebration of our local farmers, by preparing a full meal for our students and local farmers with products sourced from their farms. We are very fortunate to have this opportunity and are appreciative of KDA’s Kentucky Farm to School Stars Recognition Program, which will support the future of this initiative for our district.”

Mercer County Public Schools

“Over the past two years, I’ve been on a mission to bring the best of our local farms into Mercer County schools,” Nutrition and Food Service Director Chris Minor said. “My goal was simple but ambitious: source fresh fruits, vegetables, and proteins from within 40 miles of my office to ensure our students are eating the highest quality food possible.

“Last year was our most successful yet. We invested over $150,000 directly back into our local farming community. I set a challenge for our department to feature at least one local item on the menu every single day of the school year. I am proud to say we didn’t just meet that goal, we crushed it! There were even days when the entire meal was made from 100-percent local ingredients.

“This achievement wasn't something I could do alone. It required a true ‘all-in’ effort from my kitchen staff and the development of strong personal bonds with our local farmers. These relationships have grown into something I could have only dreamed of when I started this journey.

“As a chef, I want to give my students the very best dining experience I can. That wouldn’t be possible without the hard work of our growers and the dedication of my team. We have built an incredible foundation, and I look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

Barren County Public Schools

“For Barren County Schools, the farm to school foundational practices are centered on building a districtwide, community-driven food system that intentionally connects students, local farmers, and school nutrition services,” Farm to School Coordinator Dr. Andy Joe Moore said. “Farm to school is implemented across all grade levels from preschool through high school integrating agricultural education, workforce development, and hands-on food production with cafeteria procurement. This comprehensive approach allows students to actively participate in growing food while strengthening the connection between classrooms, cafeterias, and Kentucky agriculture.

“Districtwide food production includes projects on the campuses of all seven elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school, featuring nine outdoor gardens, seven greenhouse operations, and 78 aeroponic tower gardens. Barren County Schools partners with 14 local farms and 10 student-led farming operations to source fresh, local products for school meals.

“During the most recent growing season, more than 2,000 pounds of student-grown produce were purchased for use in school cafeterias, including items such as green beans, squash, cucumbers, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, lettuce, apples, and blackberries. Through these coordinated efforts, Barren County Schools invested 14 percent of its total food budget in locally sourced products.”