The Bill Best award is given annually to a Kentucky resident or community-based organization. Rather than a ‘captain of industry,’ this award seeks to recognize the patient, humble, and community-sustaining work of a food and farm steward.

As noted in our inaugural remarks about Mr. Best, stewardship is the slow work of the seasons; found in the practical labors of caring for each other and the land that sustains us. We seek nominations for those whose work is defined both by its humility and by its generosity. Grounded in an intimate knowledge of land and place, food and farm stewards build our self-reliance while simultaneously showing us our deep interconnection.They give generously of their knowledge and skill, safe in the understanding that our true wealth and joy can only multiply as they are shared.

Nominees should:

• Demonstrate a strong personal commitment, expertise, and leadership around stewarding a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient local food system in Kentucky
• Have made a significant and/or innovative contribution(s) to advancing Kentucky’s local food and farm system
• Inspire and engage others to continue the work of local food systems development

Nominations will be reviewed by The Food Connection staff and the 2023 award recipient will be announced at the First Friday series this Fall. Recipients receive a plaque, and are requested to join us at the October First Friday Breakfast to talk about their work in food systems.

Nominate a KY Food and Farm Steward Now

Past Recipients

2023: Sharon Stone

2022: Mary Berry

2021: Roger Snell

2020: Mark and Velvet Henkle

2019: Sarah Fritschner

2018: Bill Best