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Kentucky Farm Alliance Supports Homegrown Food Program

Well And Good

Developing a farm and food policy network in Kentucky will help the state solve some of its health problems and boost the economy as well. That’s what a member of the Community Farm Alliance told the Kentucky General Assembly’s Interim Joint Committee on Agriculture on Wednesday (October 9).

Carla Baumann says the initiative attempts to link farmers with businesses, entrepreneurs, nutritionists and philanthropic organizations to improve the efficiency of Kentucky’s system for growing and delivering food. Right now, Baumann says, not all the pieces are working together.

“Kentucky’s overweight and obesity rates are the third highest in the nation for children and the sixth highest for adults. Our obesity healthcare costs in Kentucky alone will reach an estimated 2.3 billion dollars in 2013.” –Carla Baumann

Baumann says the Alliance is working on programs like having farmers deliver fresh produce to businesses, so their workers can eat healthier, lose less time to illness and the company saves on health care costs. She says a strong food network can create new economic opportunities and better distribute food to pantries that serve needy families.  

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