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, 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.

Organization Informational Resources

KFAN’s Work Groups: Creating connective tissue across Kentucky’s food systems

Agriculture and Food Systems Work Group

Works to:

  • Fund and support agriculture integration into the feeding ecosystem

Child Nutrition Work Group

Works to:

  • Remove barriers to food access for children

Food Assistance Work Group

Works to:

  • Update members on latest changes to the safety net
  • Coordinate strategy and messaging on defending the safety net

Food as Health Work Group

Works to:

  • Promote and strategize Food as Health integration into Kentucky’s feeding infrastructure

Our Staff

The Staff of Kentucky Food Action Network are a team of folks from 3 different organizations who bring their unique strengths and specialties together to manage the day-to-day operation of the network.

Jessica ​Klein

Senior Policy Associate, KyPolicy

Kimmie ​Ishmael

Policy & Advocacy Specialist, Community Farm Alliance

Jordan Ojile

Advocacy Manager, Feeding Kentucky

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.

Emily Smith

State Specialist Disaster Health and Wellness, Cooperative Extension, Kentucky State University

Leah Feagin

Mayfield Independent School Nutrition Director, KY School Nutrition Association PPL Chair

Amanda Groves

Reverend

Terina Edington

Mosezella Jones

Prevention Program Coordinator, Seven Counties Services

Jennifer Palmer

Executive Director, Glean Kentucky

What we’re pushing for

Our Policy Priorities

  • 1
    SNAP Defense
  • 2
    Healthy School Meals for All
  • 3

    Local Food in Schools

  • 4
    Food as Health