Kentucky Double Dollars expands access to local food. Wednesday, July 8, 2026 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

Kentucky Farm Bureau leads nation at AFBF Convention. More than 4,000 farmers and ranchers from across the United States and Puerto Rico attended the 107th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Convention, including nearly 350 members from Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB). Kentucky once again had the largest state delegation at the annual national gathering, continuing a trend of strong participation, according to KFB President Eddie Melton. "Year after year, KFB members show up in a big way for the AFBF Convention, which demonstrates their willingness to step up and advocate for the agriculture industry that sustains us all," KFB President Eddie Melton said. "They truly represent the best when it comes to having their voices heard at all levels, playing a major role in shaping our country's agricultural policy." Kentucky Farm Bureau members made a strong showing throughout the event, particularly in Young Farmer competitions. Cody Burke, Kentucky's State Discussion Meet winner, earned runner-up honors at the national level. Taylor and Hannah Jones, named KFB Young Farm Family of the Year, placed in the top ten for the Young Farmer and Ranchers Achievement Award, while Brandon Gilles represented the state in the Excellence in Agriculture competition. Additional recognition included Harlan County Farm Bureau's participation in the County Activities of Excellence exhibit area, highlighting its Forestry Days Field Trip and Ag Forestry Field Week. KFB also earned honors in all four categories of the AFBF Awards of Excellence program. For the second consecutive year, a Kentucky dog won the People's Choice Pup award, with Goose, owned by KFB member Lindie Huffman, receiving the most public votes. During opening remarks, AFBF President Zippy Duvall urged producers to communicate directly with consumers and policymakers. "Every conversation, every engagement bridges the gap from stories on social media to meetings at your statehouse, and even the White House," Duvall said. "We believe it's critical for consumers and lawmakers to hear straight from farmers." Policy discussions at the convention addressed labor programs, biosecurity, market challenges, and dairy protections. Delegates also supported prioritizing locally grown foods in institutional purchasing.

Harlan County Farm Bureau recognized. Harlan County Farm Bureau earned top honors in two statewide programs from Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB), receiving regional recognition in both KFB's 2025 Health & Safety Awards and its 2025 County Activities of Excellence program. In addition to the county excellence award, Harlan County has been selected to present at the national American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Anaheim, Calif., in January. Harlan County's Health & Safety Award recognizes a comprehensive series of outreach events addressing local needs - including a community Wellness Fair, Agriculture & Forestry Field Week and a Farm Safety Day for students. These programs brought together farmers, first responders and healthcare professionals to teach safety practices related to equipment use, forestry management, mental health, nutrition and overall wellness. The effort reflected Harlan County Farm Bureau's ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes and safety awareness across its community. The County Activities of Excellence award specifically honors its Agriculture & Forestry Field Days, which engaged students and families in hands-on demonstrations about forestry, soil and water conservation and the role of agriculture in the local economy. The program showcased partnerships with local schools, conservation groups and Extension leaders to educate youth about sustainable practices and the diverse opportunities in agriculture. The County Activities of Excellence competition recognizes outstanding county-level programs that align with KFB's mission and can be replicated by other counties. The Health & Safety Awards recognize community initiatives that improve the health and safety of local residents.