Farmers Feeding Kentucky

Supporting Kentucky farmers and increasing access to fresh, local food.

What is Farmers Feeding Kentucky?

Farmers Feeding Kentucky is our statewide initiative to source fresh, local food from Kentucky farmers and distribute it to food-insecure households through our network of food banks.

Farmer Eligibility

To participate in the Farmers Feeding Kentucky program, farmers must:

  • Operate in the state of Kentucky
  • Produce fruits, vegetables, meat, eggs, or dairy products suitable for human consumption
  • Be willing and able to deliver products to their regional food bank
  • Submit a signed Participant Agreement Form prior to making their first delivery

Participation is voluntary and non-exclusive--farmers are encouraged to also sell their products elsewhere.

Resources for Farmers

2025_Participant_Agreement_For_Farmers

FKY ACH Authorization_Blank (2)

Complete a participant agreement form and work with Feeding Kentucky staff to plan and schedule deliveries.

Complete a participant agreement form and work with Feeding Kentucky staff to plan and schedule deliveries.

Understanding the Farms to Food Banks Hybrid Pricing Structure

Program Impact

Farmers Feeding Kentucky bridges the gap between local farms and Kentucky families in need. The program:

  • Supports local farmers by compensating them for quality surplus or unmarketable crops
  • Delivers fresh, locally grown food to food banks and their partner agencies
  • Keeps millions of pounds of nutritious food out of the landfill and on Kentucky tables

Since its inception, the program has helped hundreds of farmers and distributed millions of pounds of food in all 120 counties.

Farmer Spotlights

Meet the farmers behind the program and hear their stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Signing the form just lets us know you're interested and that you meet and agree to the program's qualifications. It doesn't commit you to making a delivery. However, you must have a signed participant agreement form on file before your first delivery can be accepted.

Purchase orders are important because they help us track deliveries and ensure that food bank staff are prepared to receive your product. They act as a notification that a delivery is coming and help prevent confusion or missed shipments.

We accept both #1 and #2 grade produce, as long as it is fresh and expected to stay that way for at least 48 hours after delivery. Food banks have the right to refuse product if they determine it's not suitable for distribution. A good rule of thumb: if you wouldn't want to eat it, don't bring it. 

We reimburse for:

  • Harvest labor
  • Packaging materials (like boxes or crates)
  • Transportation (from the farm to the food bank and back)

We do not reimburse for:

  • Farm inputs like seeds, fertilizer, or utilities

We use a hybrid pricing model:

  • Farmers can either invoice based on actual production costs (for labor, packaging, and transportation),
  • Or use our standard price-per-pound sheet if they prefer a simpler method.

Every invoice must include:

  • Your name and contact info
  • Type of product (e.g. tomatoes)
  • Unit of measurement (e.g. pounds, boxes)
  • Number of units delivered
  • Price per unit (or itemized costs for labor, transport, packaging)
  • Total price and amount due

Note: Deliveries without a written invoice will be considered a donation.

Invoices should be handed directly to the food bank warehouse staff when you make the delivery. They will scan and send them to Feeding Kentucky for processing.

We offer payment by check or direct deposit (ACH). To receive ACH payments, fill out our direct deposit form. Payments are typically issued within 2 weeks after paperwork is received and approved.

Yes, in most cases. You are responsible for transporting your product to the food bank. If someone else is delivering for you, their transportation costs should be included in your invoice.

If a food bank refuses your product due to quality concerns, we cannot reimburse you for that delivery. We encourage you to communicate with the food bank beforehand if you're unsure about a product.

About Feeding Kentucky

About Feeding Kentucky

Feeding Kentucky is the state’s largest charitable response to hunger, working collectively to create a hunger-free Kentucky. Our network of seven Feeding America food banks provides food and groceries to Kentuckians facing hunger in all 120 counties. Through more than 900 partner food pantries and meal programs, we reach an estimated 1 in 7 Kentuckians each year. We focus on addressing child hunger, sourcing food from our Kentucky farmers, and advocating for policies that reflect the needs of our neighbors. Guided by our vision, we want all people in Kentucky to have access to enough food to thrive.