KAFB

Press Release

BEREA — The Kentucky Association of Food Banks (KAFB) was recently awarded a $15,000 grant, made possible by the S.L. Gimbel Foundation, a component fund at The Community Foundation, to purchase seconds for their Farms to Food Banks program.

The intent of the Farms to Food Banks program is to increase access to nutritious produce among Kentuckians who are facing hunger, while at the same time supporting farmers and reducing the amount of wasted food.

Granted funds will help Kentucky farmers recoup losses associated with the harvest and delivery of their surplus and Number-2 grade produce. This is fresh, healthy food that would otherwise go to waste due to a lack of market for it. In 2018 alone, over 3.1 million pounds of fresh produce and 270 dozen eggs were distributed across the state. This nutritious food came from 349 farmers from 64 Kentucky counties.

“Through this grant, the Kentucky Association of Food Banks will be able to distribute approximately 75,000 pounds of fresh, Kentucky-grown produce through our food bank network, reports Sarah Vaughn programs coordinator for KAFB. That amount is the equivalent of filling half a plate full of fruits and vegetables for 125,000 meals for those who are sometimes unsure as to where their next meal is coming from”.

Participation in the Farms to Food Banks program is open to any Kentucky farmer.

For more information about the Farms to Food Banks program, visit kafb.org/farmstofoodbanks or call (859) 986-7422.