Kentucky schools cash in on farm-to-school commitment

FRANKFORT – Celebrating National Farm to School Month, Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell is awarding $24,000 to three school districts for their commitment to bringing Kentucky-grown produce and proteins to the lunchroom.

“Kentucky is leading the way in connecting our farmers with school cafeterias,” Commissioner Shell said. “Through our Farm to School program, we’re putting food raised and grown right here in Kentucky on lunch trays across the Commonwealth. These districts are showing what that partnership can accomplish.”

The districts earned recognition for purchasing the highest percentages of locally produced proteins and produce during the school year, including Kentucky beef, mini peppers, peaches, strawberries, lettuce, and more. Each district will use its award to purchase additional locally produced food during the 2026–27 school year.

The school districts recognized this year and the amount awarded are:

–Bowling Green Independent Schools (Warren County) – $10,000

–Harlan County Public Schools – $8,000

–Mayfield Independent Schools (Graves County) – $6,000

The districts are being honored through the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) Kentucky Farm to School Stars Recognition Program, an initiative championed by Commissioner Shell to strengthen partnerships between schools and local farmers while creating consistent markets for Kentucky agricultural products.

The awards are funded through KDA’s share of the Kentucky Ag Tag program, which allows Kentuckians to make voluntary donations when renewing their farm license plates or Friends of Agriculture specialty plates. Contributions are divided equally among Kentucky 4-H, Kentucky FFA, and KDA. This year, Kentuckians contributed more than $941,630 through the Ag Tag program.

This was the second year for the Kentucky Farm to School Stars Recognition Program.