Kentucky food businesses honored for local farm support

Friday, August 30, 2024

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell has been on a statewide tour this summer, honoring food businesses that have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting local farmers.

Nine businesses have received a lifetime award for their participation in the Kentucky Department of Agriculture's (KDA) Buy Local program.

“Kentucky farmers produce some of the most nutritious and delicious farm fresh foods in the world,” Commissioner Shell said. “Having that food served at some of the finest establishments across the state is a double win. The Buy Local program recognizes restaurants and food service entities that feature Kentucky Proud products with a direct farm impact on their menus. This initiative highlights the incredible products Kentucky farmers can provide and showcases how our local chefs creatively incorporate them into their dishes.”

The Buy Local program rewards restaurants and food service entities that prioritize Kentucky Proud ingredients in their dishes.

Launched in 2006, the program aims to increase the use of local produce in Kentucky's food industry while making it easier for businesses to source and prepare these products.

To participate, businesses must first become Kentucky Proud members. Once enrolled, they can purchase eligible food items directly from Kentucky Proud member farms and distributors.

Participants receive up to 15% reimbursement for the cost of Kentucky Proud farm food, with a maximum of $8,000 per year or a lifetime cap of $36,000.

This summer, Commissioner Shell recognized nine businesses that have reached the lifetime cap under the Buy Local Program. These businesses include:

Dudley’s Restaurant, Lexington
Gralehaus, Louisville
Holy Grale, Louisville
Honeywood, Lexington
Madison County Schools, Richmond
Mayan Café, Louisville
Ramsey’s Diner – Harrodsburg Road, Lexington
Red Hog, Louisville
Stella’s Kentucky Deli, Lexington

Since 2014, 30 entities have reached the lifetime limit. The Buy Local program has incentivized chefs to purchase more than $14.4 million of locally grown and raised food from Kentucky's farm families.

Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board