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. Food Distribution administers four food programs for USDA.

Child Nutrition Commodity Program

The Division of Food Distribution coordinates the distribution of commodities to more than 1,300 public, private nonprofit schools and residential child care institutions that provide meals to students. The Child Nutrition Commodity Program supports American agricultural producers by providing cash reimbursements for meals served in schools, but also by providing nutritious, USDA-purchased food. USDA Foods valued at over $33 million a year for 195 school systems, serving over 400,000 students daily. Over $7 million is used to purchase fresh produce through the Department of Defense to assist in providing fresh fruits and vegetables to Kentucky students and to assist in fighting the obesity issues faced by school children.

Commodity Supplemental Food Program

The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) is a program administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture for Kentucky residents. The program supplements the diets of participates by providing generous monthly packages of food carefully selected to provide broad nutritious food for a well balanced diet, as well as nutritional education and information to enable our clients to enjoy healthier eating habits and healthier lives. Over $6.9 million of food is made available to approximately 35,259 senior citizens at 118 locations across the state.

Emergency Feeding Assistance Program

Emergency Feeding Assistance Program (EFAP) is a federal program that helps supplement the diets of low-income Americans by providing them with healthful foods at no cost. Under EFAP, commodity 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. Recipients of food for home use must meet program eligibility criteria set by the State. Over $4.4 million of food is made available to five food banks, which contract with Food Pantries to distribute food to needy household for preparing meals for home consumption or to organizations that prepare and provide meals to the needy.

Farm to School

We at KDA are committed to our farmers and our communities. Our goal is to bring together the freshness and high quality of our Kentucky Proud products and schools. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is dedicated to the youth of Kentucky and feels by supporting the Farm to School program it will allow kids to grow into healthier adults who are educated about local food production and who demand local products.

Local Food Purchase Cooperative Agreement Program Grant

Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) received $5,491,119 from USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA). The LFPA program is authorized by the American Rescue Plan to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency. Through this program, USDA will award up to $400 million nationwide through non-competitive cooperative agreements with state and tribal governments to support local, regional, and underserved producers through the purchase of food produced within the state or within 400 miles of delivery destination. The LFPA program is part of the “Build Back Better” initiative, authorized by the American Rescue Plan. The cooperative agreements will allow for state and tribal governments to procure and distribute local and regional foods and beverages that are healthy, nutritious and unique to their geographic area. The food will meet the needs of the population, and serve feeding programs, including food banks, schools and organizations that reach underserved communities. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds will help build and expand economic opportunity for local and socially disadvantaged producers. KDA is preparing several requests for proposals for this opportunity. To register your interest in participating in the LFPA sub-awards please CLICK HERE and complete the form.

Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program

The purpose of the Kentucky Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SrFMNP) is to gain market access for farmers as well as improving nutrition of low income families by providing them better access to fresh fruits and vegetables. 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. The low-income seniors are provided with $48 to purchase fresh, unprocessed, locally grown fruits, vegetables and herbs at State-approved farmers' markets. The Senior FMNP provides an additional est. $475,000 to Kentucky farmers each year.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. See disclaimer.