---

Kentucky State University was named a Kentucky Commercialization Ventures IMPACT award winner, receiving $25,000 to improve access to healthy food in West Louisville.

The goal of the KCV IMPACT competition is “to encourage ideation relevant to the improvement of the social, health, or economic conditions and highlight the value of innovators from across the state of Kentucky,” according to a press release.

Kentucky State University’s project, titled “Increasing sustainable production and access of fresh green leafy vegetables in West Louisville food desert areas,” will be led by Gill Finley, Community Resource and Development Program Leader, and Dr. Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Assistant Professor for Urban Agriculture.

Receiving these funds will allow Kentucky State to partner with local businesses, such as Kentucky Greens Company in Louisville, and help the public overcome chronic health issues and provide healthy produce to community members.

A newly hired Nutrition Educator and Food Systems Coordinator will assist with increasing food access and addressing food and nutrition insecurity. Kentucky State will distribute healthy fruits and vegetables along with education on disease prevention and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The combination of healthy produce and education will benefit many citizens within the Louisville community.

Kentucky State personnel plan to use researched data and wellness strategies to educate the public on how to maintain optimal health, prevent early onset chronic diseases, and promote longevity to aging populations within the West End of Louisville.

“We are excited to obtain these funds to initiate our work of building a resilient community and strengthen our commonwealth of Kentucky,” Finley said. “This is the beginning of our onward and upward journey to a better you, me and us.”

Caption: Gill Finley, Community Resource and Development Program Leader, speaks during the West Louisville Cooperative Extension Office Ribbon Cutting on April 21, 2023, in Louisville, Kentucky.