Awarded schools received $10,000, $8,000, and $6,000 for future purchases

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 21, 2025) – This October, National Farm to School Month, three Kentucky school systems are being awarded for their dedication to purchasing and using locally grown produce and proteins.

The schools are being awarded through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) new Kentucky Farm to School Stars Recognition Program, which was created to recognize school districts that demonstrate a commitment to increase purchases directly from Kentucky farmers.

“Kentucky farmers produce some of the most nutritious and delicious food in the world,” Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “Developing programs and incentives to get more of that food into our Kentucky school meals increases the nutrient level for our school children and positively impacts our farm families.”

The school districts recognized in the program’s first year and the amount awarded are:

•  Jackson Independent Schools in Breathitt County - $10,000, 

•  Mercer County Public Schools - $8,000. 

•  Barren County Public Schools - $6,000. 

Winning districts had the highest percentage of locally produced proteins and produce for an entire school year in their meals. Eligible districts also had to participate in the National School Lunch Program. Only Kentucky grown or raised products used during breakfast and lunch during the regular school year were eligible, excluding milk.

The monetary awards each district received must be spent on local food purchases for the 2025-26 school year.

The winning funds were awarded through KDA’s portion of the Ag Tag funds, which come from the voluntary donations Kentuckians pay each year when renewing their farm license plate. The donations are divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and KDA. This year, donations reached a record high of $995,440.74. 

“KDA makes a promise to reinvest its share of the funds into our agriculture community,” Commissioner Shell said. “This year we are keeping that promise by investing into our youngest generation – our children.”