معرفی
Ashton Potter serves as Executive Director of The Food Connection and Extension Specialist for Local Food Systems Leadership at the University of Kentucky's Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, responsible for strategic vision and program implementation across Kentucky's food ecosystem.
Her educational background includes:
- Bachelor of Science in Biology from Rhodes College
- Master of Public Health from Georgia State University
- Doctor of Public Health from the University of Kentucky
Her research focuses on building sustainable agricultural value chains, with expertise in farm-to-institution procurement systems and community food security initiatives that bridge public health nutrition with economic development. She leads statewide programs connecting Kentucky farmers to new markets while educating consumers about nutrient-dense local food systems.
Through The Food Connection, she directs multifaceted initiatives including Culinary Medicine, Cultivate Kentucky, Growing Health, and the Kentucky Value Chain Collaborative, emphasizing practical applications of food systems knowledge in institutional settings and community health programs.
Her collaborative work engages UK Dining Services, farmers, policymakers, and community stakeholders to strengthen Kentucky's local food economy through practical procurement strategies and educational outreach centered on sustainable food practices.
