LFS Executive Summary – Kentucky

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) will administer $3.2M in LFS program funds through its existing state-wide, USDA-supported Farm to School Network. Program funds will be provided directly to NSLP schools to purchase and deliver local foods from small and socially-disadvantaged producers. KDA’s goals for the program include providing students with access to fresh, local foods and increasing producers’ access to consistent markets. KDA plans to add at least 50 new producers to the Farm to School Network. KDA will provide technical assistance to schools and producers through a series of regional training events and regular network meetings and will foster mentorship relationships between new and experienced schools and producers. The final desired outcome of the program will be the development of a handbook with standardized procurement and sales processes to help make local procurement easier for interested schools and producers.