FRANKFORT, Ky. — Agriculture Commissioner James Comer welcomed the University of Pikeville as the fifth member of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Farm to Campus Program in an event today at the City View Café on the UPIKE campus.

“By joining the Farm to Campus program, UPIKE is making more local food available for students, faculty, and staff,” Commissioner Comer said. “You also are boosting the local economy by helping family farmers sell their products. On behalf of all Kentucky farmers, thank you, UPIKE, for being a part of the Farm to Campus program.”

“Like other colleges and universities across the Commonwealth, the University of Pikeville is excited to join Commissioner Comer and the Kentucky Proud Farm to Campus movement,” UPIKE President James L. Hurley said. “We know that farm-to-table provides healthier, sustainable options and just tastes better. This program also encourages us to buy local, which is always good for the economy.

“Campus dining plays an important role in providing a positive student experience. We are pleased to bring this initiative to our campus.”

Comer and Hurley were joined at the announcement by local officials; state legislators; representatives of ARAMARK, the university’s food service vendor; and other dignitaries.

Under the Farm to Campus program, the KDA will partner with UPIKE, Barnes & Noble, and ARAMARK to put more shelf-stable Kentucky Proud products in the University of Pikeville Bookstore and more farm-fresh Kentucky Proud products in the university’s food service system.

UPIKE joins Asbury University, Eastern Kentucky University, the University of Louisville, and Morehead State University as members of the Farm to Campus Program.

Source: Press release courtesy of Kentucky Department of Agriculture