Farm to School program winners announced
In celebration of National Farm to School Month, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture 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,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said in a news release. “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 award-winning districts earned recognition for purchasing the highest percentages of locally produced proteins and produce during the school year and can use their awards to purchase additional locally produced food during the 2026–27 school year.
The school districts recognized this year as part of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Kentucky Farm to School Stars Recognition Program, and the amounts awarded are:
• Bowling Green Independent Schools (Warren County) – $10,000
• Harlan County Public Schools – $8,000
• Mayfield Independent Schools (Graves County) – $6,000
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.