By Blake Jackson
Kentucky Double Dollars (KDD) is continuing to improve access to fresh, locally grown food for families across Kentucky while creating new marketing opportunities for farmers.
The statewide incentive program helps eligible households maximize their food assistance benefits when purchasing Kentucky-grown products at participating farmers markets, farm stands, and grocery stores.
Managed by Community Farm Alliance, the initiative encourages healthier food choices while strengthening local agricultural economies.
The program is available in more than 100 communities and supports shoppers using SNAP, Summer EBT, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program benefits.
“Shoppers using SNAP, Summer EBT, WIC Farmers Market Nutrition, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Benefits receive additional funds to spend at participating locations in more than 100 communities across the state,” Kentucky Double Dollars Director Lauren Kallmeyer said.
“KDD supports community, health, and economic resilience by making fresh, nutritious food more affordable and accessible while also supporting local farmers.”
Operating since 2014, Kentucky Double Dollars has expanded its reach through a new partnership with the Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) and its statewide network of Certified Farm Markets.
The collaboration is helping introduce more farmers and markets to the program while providing outreach, educational resources, technical support, and promotional materials.
“The partnership with KFB gives our small team access to a wider network of farms and farm markets,” Kallmeyer said.
“That helps us spread the word about the program, explain the benefits of participating, and provide technical assistance and signage to certified farm markets that accept KDD.”
Fran McCall, KFB Federation Commodity Specialist and Certified Farm Market coordinator, emphasized the value of the partnership.
“As our Certified Farm Market program continues to grow, we see more opportunities to connect consumers with healthy, locally grown food,” McCall said.
“Through KDD, we can reach more people who need food assistance while increasing net farm income for KFB Certified Farm Markets.”
In 2025, the program distributed more than $278,000 in Double Dollars, generating over $556,000 in purchases of healthy, Kentucky-grown food while supporting more than 1,000 farms. Eligible farm markets that process SNAP/EBT benefits can apply to join the Kentucky Double Dollars program at https://kentuckydoubledollars.org/offer-kdd/.
Photo Credit: kentucky-double-dollars
Categories: Kentucky, Business, General