By Blake Jackson
The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) will highlight its statewide Food Is Medicine initiative during Healthy Hoopla, a free community health and wellness fair scheduled for Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Ashland, Kentucky.
KDA Deputy Commissioner Warren Beeler will speak at 11:45 a.m. at Camp Landing, located at 10699 U.S. 60. The family-friendly event will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offer health education, screenings, and activities for visitors of all ages.
Beeler will discuss KDA’s partnership with the Kentucky Hospital Association to expand the Food Is Medicine (FIM) initiative. More than 60 hospitals across Kentucky, including UK King’s Daughters, are participating in efforts to improve access to nutritious, locally produced food and incorporate nutrition into health care.
The program also aims to strengthen markets for Kentucky farmers by increasing the use of local products in medical interventions.
"It’s an honor to represent KDA and Commissioner Shell at this year’s Healthy Hoopla,” Deputy Commissioner Beeler said. “Food is Medicine helps hospitals put nutrition at the center of patient care and buy more food from Kentucky farmers. The goal is better health for patients, lower health care costs and a dependable market for local producers."
“Kentucky’s hospitals see every day how access to nutritious food can affect a person’s health,” said Melanie Landrum, interim CEO of the Kentucky Hospital Association. “By working with agriculture partners and local producers, hospitals can help address food insecurity, support healthier communities and strengthen Kentucky’s local food economy.”
“When evaluating how to better serve our communities, prioritizing proper nutrition and reducing food insecurity always are among our initiatives,” said Sara Marks, UK King’s Daughters president and CEO. “The Food is Medicine program fits perfectly with our work and reinforces our support for local farmers."
Healthy Hoopla will feature more than 25 health education booths covering subjects such as mental health, heart disease, and cancer.
Visitors can access free health screenings, meet medical professionals, and explore interactive Mega Colon and Mega Lungs exhibits. A smoothie bike will also allow participants to blend a free drink using pedal power.
Family activities include a petting zoo, balloon sculpting, inflatables, Safety City, tennis activities, sports simulators, karaoke, and appearances by Wally Cat and the UK King’s Daughters K-9 Team. The event will also feature a kindness-themed activity for children.
The first 200 attendees will receive family giveaways and a treat from Whit’s Frozen Custard. Free transportation will be available through the Ashland Bus System every 30 minutes.
More information about the initiative is available at https://foodismedicineky.com.
Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board
Categories: Kentucky, Government & Policy