Kentucky’s Food is Medicine Initiative Featured at National Summit
October 30, 2026 Senate Majority Communications
Kentucky’s Food is Medicine Initiative Featured at National Summit
Sen. Shelley Funke Frommeyer highlights Kentucky’s statewide approach to connecting agriculture, health care and nutrition
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Oct. 30, 2026) – Kentucky’s efforts to connect agriculture, health care and nutrition took center stage at a national summit hosted by the Food is Medicine Institute at the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy at Tufts University.
Frommeyer participated in a fireside chat titled “Statewide Food is Medicine Adoption – The Kentucky Example” on October 28 during the Fourth Annual Food is Medicine National Summit. She was joined by Dana Feldman, executive director of the Office for Consumer and Environmental Protection at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. Brie Cox, CEO and co-founder of Cox Consulting, moderated the discussion.
The conversation showcased Kentucky’s initiatives to align agriculture, healthcare, and education to improve nutrition, address chronic diseases, and strengthen wellness programs across the commonwealth.
During the 2026 Regular Session, Frommeyer sponsored Senate Joint Resolution 23, declaring Kentucky the nation’s first Food is Medicine state. The resolution establishes a statewide framework for promoting nutrition-focused approaches to health and wellness while acknowledging the significant role Kentucky agriculture can play in enhancing health outcomes.
“Food is not just nourishment; it is an investment in the health and future of our communities across Kentucky,” Frommeyer stated. “Kentucky has the agricultural resources, healthcare expertise, and partnerships to advance Food is Medicine initiatives. By harnessing these strengths and fostering a culture that supports this approach, we can enhance access to nutritious food, bolster our farming communities, and give more Kentuckians the chance to live healthier lives. In doing so, Kentucky sets a benchmark for other states to adopt their own Food is Medicine culture, making us a stronger nation.”
SJR 23 directs state agencies to collaborate on Food is Medicine initiatives, coordinating efforts across agriculture, healthcare, and education. It also directs the Personnel Cabinet, in consultation with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, to integrate community-supported agriculture purchases into wellness rewards programs for state employees and retirees.
“Participating in this national dialogue allows Kentucky to showcase our progress and learn from others working towards similar goals,” Frommeyer noted. “Our focus is on transforming this commitment into tangible actions that benefit our farmers, strengthen our communities, and improve the health of Kentuckians.”
The summit brought together leaders from healthcare, research, public policy, agriculture, education, private industry, and community-based organizations to share insights, discuss policy priorities, and explore practical ways to expand Food is Medicine programs. The event featured both in-person and virtual attendees from across the nation.