In 2025, 11.3 million USDA summer meals were served in Kentucky, with Kentucky meal sponsors receiving $48 million in federal reimbursements. Summer meals are a great opportunity for farms and farmers markets to connect with families in your community. Whether your purpose is selling food products to be served in meals, or to increase education about farming, or to connect with families to market your products directly, participating in summer meals programming could help your farm or market achieve some goals.
As the lead organization in the Kentucky Farm to School Network, CFA is promoting participation in Kentucky Farm to Summer Meals Celebration Week June 21-27, a joint event between CFA, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, the Kentucky Department of Education and Feeding Kentucky. During this week, summer meal sponsors are encouraged to serve locally grown farm foods in meals and to offer ag education and gardening activities.
Farmers and market leaders can learn more at the Kentucky Farm to School Network’s website: https://www.kyf2snetwork.com/farm-to-summer-meals.There is a toolkit for farms and farmers markets available to help with plans. Farms and markets can register for the Celebration Week by filling out this form.