KY Proud Buy Local Program
The KY Proud Buy Local Program incentivizes Kentucky institutions to purchase locally grown or raised foods, strengthening local agriculture and supporting farm-to-institution relationships.
Funder: Kentucky Department of Agriculture
Due Dates: December 31, 2025 (for January 2026 meeting) | Rolling monthly deadlines (last day of each month)
Funding Amounts: Up to 15% reimbursement for eligible purchases (restaurants/foodservice); up to 2.5% for distributors; details vary by participant type.
Summary: Incentivizes Kentucky Proud institutions and distributors to purchase and use source-verified Kentucky-grown or raised foods, strengthening local agricultural markets.
Key Information: Must be a Kentucky Proud member; reimbursement is not retroactive and only applies to approved, documented expenses.
Description
The KY Proud Buy Local Program, administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, is designed to increase the purchase and use of source-verified Kentucky-grown or Kentucky-raised foods by institutional buyers and food service operations. The program supports restaurants, food service institutions, schools, hospitals, and enrolled distributors by providing reimbursement incentives for purchasing or facilitating access to local Kentucky food products. The overarching goal is to strengthen local agricultural markets and foster relationships between producers and large-scale buyers.
