Local food movement benefits charities

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 6, 2026) – Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell invites Kentucky Proud members to apply to participate in the Kentucky Proud® Farm to Fork program for 2026.

“Kentucky Proud® is the perfect way to share a little bit of Kentucky on your table,” Commissioner Shell said. “Kentucky Proud® is a national model for promoting local agricultural products, and the Farm to Fork Program helps publicize the many outstanding products produced by our farmers and agribusinesses.”

The Kentucky Proud® Farm to Fork Program, administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, works to increase awareness of the local food movement by teaming up with host groups to benefit a charity in their community. These groups can host an event that will highlight local farms, farmers, producers, and Kentucky Proud® products. Funding is made possible through a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.

The Farm to Fork cost-share grant can reimburse up to 50 percent (up to $750) of the event’s eligible Kentucky-grown food products and associated promotional expenditures. Only those meal ingredients and items that directly impact Kentucky farms will be eligible for consideration and can be submitted for the full grant amount.

Applications for 2026 Farm to Fork events are due 30 days before the event. Events must take place before Nov. 13. For more information about the Farm to Fork program or to download an application and guidelines, go to kyagr.com/marketing/farm-to-fork.html.

For more information about Farm to Fork cost-share grants, contact Alisha Morris at (502) 782-4119 or Alisha.Morris@ky.gov.