Agriculture Commissioner Shell's Farm to Fork Dinner returns Aug. 19

Renee Shaw to headline event benefiting Kentucky foster families

FRANKFORT, Ky. (Aug. 6, 2026) – Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell will host the third annual Commissioner's Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville. The event raises funds to provide Kentucky State Fair and agricultural tourism experiences for foster children and families through Kentucky Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and the Kentucky Exposition Foundation.

Proceeds from the dinner help provide foster children and families with memorable experiences that many might not otherwise have, including a day at the Kentucky State Fair complete with food and rides, West Kentucky 4-H Camp, fall festivals, and other agricultural tourism opportunities. Since launching in 2024, the program has served nearly 1,000 foster children and families across the Commonwealth.

"There's no better way to kick off the Kentucky State Fair than by bringing people together around a table filled with Kentucky Proud products while supporting children and families across the Commonwealth," Commissioner Shell said. "Kentucky CASA gives vulnerable children a voice when they need it most. We're proud to help advance that mission and create opportunities for the families they serve."

The Farm to Fork Benefit Dinner will be 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, the evening before opening day of the Kentucky State Fair. This year's featured speaker is Renee Shaw, one of the Commonwealth's most respected journalists who recently retired after nearly three decades at Kentucky Educational Television.

“One of the things that makes Kentucky special is the way our communities rally around children and families in need,” Shaw said. "I'm honored to be part of an evening that celebrates Kentucky agriculture while helping create meaningful opportunities and lasting memories for foster children across the Commonwealth”

Each year, trained CASA volunteers serve as advocates for abused and neglected children involved in Kentucky's court system, ensuring their voices are heard and their best interests remain the priority throughout legal proceedings.

“The Kentucky CASA Network is excited to once again partner with Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell for the third annual Farm to Fork Dinner to kick off the Kentucky State Fair,” said Andrea Bruns, State Director/CEO of The Kentucky CASA Network. “This dinner is an opportunity to share CASA's mission with the agriculture community and raise funds for foster youth. Funds raised go toward the CASA mission as well as funds directly to support foster youth engagement in agriculture tourism and enrichment opportunities statewide.”

The event is part of the Kentucky Proud® Farm to Fork Program, administered by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to celebrate Kentucky-grown food while supporting charitable organizations across the Commonwealth.

Individual tickets are $100 and tables of eight are available for $800. Tickets can be purchased here.

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