Kentucky school cafeterias are increasing the use of locally grown fruits and vegetables through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Department of Defense Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program (DoD Fresh). Since the beginning of the 2025 school year, 504 schools in the state have served more than 2,500 cases of Kentucky-grown produce.
The program operates through a partnership between the USDA, the Defense Logistics Agency, and state distributors. In Kentucky, the vendor What Chefs Want has focused on sourcing from local growers rather than out-of-state suppliers. Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said, "Studies show farm produce from a local source has more nutrients than those that have to be shipped longer distances. Healthier, more nutrient-dense meals make for a child who is more focused, alert, and ready to learn."
Last year, Kentucky schools spent about US$7 million through DoD Fresh, with most of the supplies coming from outside the state. Now, more of that spending is directed to Kentucky farms. By the end of October, at least 14 farms and cooperatives will have supplied schools, including Barbour Farms, Gallrein Farms, Kentucky Fresh Harvest, Farmers Alliance, and H+H Farms.
The state's growing season allows schools to serve sweet corn, watermelon, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and peppers from August through the first frost in October. As temperatures fall, schools will add sweet potatoes, winter squash, apples, and greenhouse-grown strawberries to their menus.
Jack Miniard, Food Service Director for Harlan County Public Schools, said student participation has increased. "The flavor cannot be beat when it's packed fresh, delivered fresh, with that great quality," he said.
Anna Haas, Local Food Program Director at What Chefs Want, stated that the partnership with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is building "a healthy farm to school economy through local food distribution."
The DoD Fresh program has been in operation for almost 30 years and currently functions in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories. Schools can allocate USDA Foods entitlement to the program without caps on spending, with adjustments allowed throughout the year.
Source: Marshall County Daily
