Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Kentucky Hospital Association team up to lead discussions across state

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) and the Kentucky Hospital Association (KHA) hosted the first community roundtable for their "Food is Medicine" Initiative in Madisonville July 31.

The event, led by Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell and hosted by Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, brought together local leaders to discuss improving community health through increased access to nutritious, locally sourced food.

Attendees included Hopkins County Judge Executive Jack Whitfield, Hospital CEO Alisa Coleman, farmers’ market participants, and other community stakeholders. Discussions centered on strategies to connect local agriculture with healthcare providers, promoting healthier food choices, and creating a sustainable food system that benefits all Kentuckians.

"By working together, we can create a healthier Kentucky,” Commissioner Shell said. “This initiative is about getting our farm fresh food to kitchen tables and ensuring every Kentuckian has access to nutritious food."

KHA Associate Vice President of Government Affairs Travis Burton, who participated in the event, praised Shell and the local hospital for their leadership on improving the health of Kentuckians.

“Commissioner Shell’s passion for increasing Kentuckians’ access to local and healthy food is appreciated by health care providers across the state,” Burton said. “Hospitals like the one we are sitting in work every day to improve the health of our patients and communities. The work surrounding the Food is Medicine initiative is greatly needed.”

The Food is Medicine Initiative is a statewide effort to promote the benefits of locally grown produce. This roundtable marks the first of many community discussions aimed at building a healthier future for Kentucky.