Are you a farmer interested in selling to schools but not sure where to start? Then you are in the right place! This page will serve as a hub for information for farmers interested in participating in farm to school in Kentucky.
If you have any questions about Farm to School, or just want to talk with someone about your ideas, please feel free to contact McKenzie Fox, KHC’s Farm to School Coordinator, at mckenzie@kyhortcouncil.org.
Taste Testing Mini-Grants Are Back!
With special funding from the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky, the Kentucky Farm to School Network is pleased to offer a third round of grant funding for taste testing activities for the 2023-24 school year. This project will provide funding to implement taste testing activities in Kentucky schools that allow students to try Kentucky-grown produce, increase their understanding of where food comes from, and make connections between students and farmers.
The grant period will be from September 2023 until the end of May 2024 and at least six (6) mini-grants of $1,000 each will be awarded through this project. Information on applicant eligibility and eligible expenses as well as a link to the application form can be downloaded below. Applications due August 31, 2023 at 11:59pm ET.
Farm to School in KY: A guide for growers
Check out this publication to learn more about Farm to School in Kentucky. Includes answers to commonly asked questions and key considerations to think about when considering Farm to School.
Baby steps
Have no idea where to start? Check out this flowchart!
And this presentation from the 2022 EKY Farmers Conference!
Selling to Schools: When, Where, and How
W-9
You will have to fill out a W-9 to sell to any school.
kentucky proud application
When you are a KY Proud member, schools (and restaurants) can receive up to 15% reimbursement for purchasing your products. This helps the schools cover the potential extra costs of purchasing local produce. So, fill out the application below or apply online here.
Example Specifications – Veggies
See examples of the possible expectations a school may have for you based on the vegetable (packing sizes, grade, delivery, etc.)
Example Specifications – Fruits
See examples of the possible expectations a school may have for you based on the fruit (packing sizes, grade, delivery, etc.)
Sample Invoice
Adapt this document with your farm’s information and take it with you when you drop off your product to a school!
Webinars: F2S Trainings for Farmers
KHC has hosted 4 webinars thus far about Farm to School topics including an Introduction to Farm to School, Crop Planning for Farm to School, and Enterprise Budgets for Farm to School. See below for links to recordings for each webinar.
Intro to Farm to School Webinar Recording