Our Network

A coalition of organizers, farmers, policy advocates, and neighbors working together across the Commonwealth. Here’s who we are, where we came from, and what we’re pushing for.

Who We Are

A collective,
not a single organization.

The Kentucky Food Action Network (KFAN) is a coalition of individuals and organizations united around one purpose: building accessible, resilient food systems that prioritize the health of Kentuckians and the land itself. We work across the full food system — from producer to consumer — through education, advocacy, and direct collaboration with partners statewide.

In collaboration with the Community Farm Alliance, Feeding Kentucky, Kentucky Equal Justice Center, and the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, KFAN stands on the shoulders of  the work done by the Kentucky Food Policy Network that existed in 2012-2014.

We believe that with deeper engagement from communities and other sectors this network can be a hub for positive change through food policy. KFAN members can be any resident of Kentucky, Kentucky based organization, or regional/national allied organizations.

Our Staff

The Staff of Kentucky Food Action Network are a team of folks from 4 different organizations who bring their unique strengths and specialties together to manage the day-to-day operation of the network.

Jessica ​Klein

Policy Analyst, KyPolicy

Kimmie ​Ishmael

Policy Campaign Coordinator, Community Farm Alliance

Jordan Ojile

Advocacy Coordinator, Feeding Kentucky

Robin ​​Kunkel

Kentucky Food Action Network Coordinator, Kentucky Equal Justice Center

Advisory Committee

The Steering Committee of the Kentucky Food Action Network is made up of Kentuckians from across every section of our food system. They advise and direct the work of the network and ensure we are staying true to our values and mission. KFAN’s Steering Committee strives to include majority directly-impacted people and we define that as folks on public assistance, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color), and farmers and producers.

Ryan Burnette

Owner of Hickory Grove Farms,
Pleasureville, Kentucky

Dalla Emerson

Director of Food Service Operations, Bowling Green Independent Schools

Tania Whitfield

Mother and Community Leader,
Lexington, Kentucky

Medester
Gougisha-Waye

Mother and Community Leader,
Winchester, Kentucky

Kent Gilbert

Justice and Advocacy Commission of the KY Council of Churches – ​Berea, Kentucky

Beth Bennett

Small Business Owner,
Louisville, Kentucky

Emily Smith

Kentucky Voices for Health
Louisville, Kentucky

Hannah Allston Brooks

Heart of Scottsville
​Scottsville, Kentucky

What we’re pushing for

Our Policy Priorities

  • 1
    Educate and advocate with state and federal officials.
  • 2
    Train, support, and connect partners across the food system.
  • 3
    Host working groups on food assistance, agriculture, and access.
  • 4
    Help Kentuckians tell their own food and farm stories.