Kentucky restaurants and food service businesses that are Kentucky Proud members can be reimbursed up to 15% of what they spend on eligible Kentucky-grown ingredients, up to $8,000 a year ($36,000 lifetime). Enrollment open; covers purchases through Dec 31, 2026.
An incentive that reimburses Kentucky restaurants and other food service businesses for buying Kentucky Proud ingredients for their menus. Participants can receive up to 15% reimbursement on eligible Gold-category purchases (Silver items also qualify but are limited), claimed quarterly, until they reach an $8,000 annual cap or $36,000 lifetime cap or funding is depleted. Enrollment in the 2025-2026 program covers purchases made through December 31, 2026; purchases made before KDA approves the application are not eligible. Funded through a grant from the Kentucky Agricultural Development Fund.
Restaurants and other food service participants (the program page also names food service institutions, schools and hospitals)
Must have Active membership status in Kentucky Proud
Products must be further prepared as part of the menu; items simply resold through a gift shop or storefront are not eligible
Purchases already reimbursed through a USDA program are not eligible
Enrolled Kentucky Proud distributors that file quarterly reports for participating restaurants may be considered for a separate 2.5% reimbursement
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