Lexington, Kentucky, December 30, 2025
In an interview, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell shared his initiatives aimed at enhancing school nutrition, employee retention, and the integration of local food into SNAP. The ‘Food is Medicine’ initiative aims to combat chronic health issues by providing nutritious food in hospitals. Shell also plans to run for re-election in 2027, intending to continue advocating for child welfare and agriculture in the state.
Lexington, Kentucky – Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell Discusses Initiatives and Political Plans
Lexington, Kentucky – In a recent interview, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell outlined his priorities for 2026, focusing on enhancing school nutrition, retaining department employees, and advancing economic development in the agricultural sector. He emphasized the importance of improving salaries to retain staff and highlighted the “Food is Medicine” initiative aimed at integrating nutritious food into healthcare settings to combat chronic illnesses.
Shell also addressed the potential impact of federal legislation, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which cuts the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by $187 billion through 2034. He expressed interest in exploring ways to incorporate local foods into the SNAP program to support Kentucky farmers and provide healthier options to residents. Additionally, Shell discussed his commitment to child advocacy, noting his involvement with the Court-Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Lexington and efforts to connect children with food education through the department’s All in Ag Week program. He announced plans to run for re-election in 2027, expressing a desire to continue his work in the role.
Key Initiatives and Plans
- Food is Medicine Initiative: A collaboration with the Kentucky Hospital Association to provide nutritious food in medical facilities, aiming to address chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension.
- Employee Retention: Proposals to improve salaries within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to retain staff and maintain consistency in services.
- Child Advocacy: Engagement with CASA of Lexington and the All in Ag Week program to connect children with food education and support foster children.
- Political Future: Announcement of plans to run for re-election in 2027, expressing a desire to continue serving as Agriculture Commissioner.
Background
Jonathan Shell, a Republican, was elected as Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner in 2023. Prior to this role, he served as a state representative and was the Majority Leader of the Kentucky House of Representatives. His tenure as Agriculture Commissioner has been marked by initiatives aimed at integrating agriculture with healthcare and education to improve public health and support local farmers. The “Food is Medicine” initiative, launched in May 2024, is a notable example of this approach, focusing on providing fresh, healthy food to patients in medical facilities to prevent and manage chronic diseases. Shell’s commitment to child welfare is also evident through his involvement with CASA of Lexington and efforts to incorporate agricultural education into school curricula. As he approaches the end of his current term, Shell has expressed his intention to seek re-election in 2027, aiming to continue his work in promoting Kentucky’s agricultural interests and public health initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the “Food is Medicine” initiative?
The “Food is Medicine” initiative is a collaboration between the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and the Kentucky Hospital Association, aiming to provide nutritious food in medical facilities to address chronic health issues like diabetes and hypertension. This program focuses on integrating healthy, fresh food into healthcare settings to improve patient outcomes and promote overall wellness.
What are Jonathan Shell’s plans for employee retention within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture?
Jonathan Shell has proposed improving salaries within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to retain staff and maintain consistency in services. This initiative aims to address the issue of employees leaving for other state government positions offering higher pay, ensuring that the department can continue to effectively serve the agricultural community.
How is Jonathan Shell involved in child advocacy?
Jonathan Shell is actively involved in child advocacy through his role on the board of CASA of Lexington, an organization that supports children in the foster care system. Additionally, he has worked to connect children with food education by organizing the All in Ag Week program, which brings agricultural experts into schools to teach students about food production and the importance of agriculture.
What are Jonathan Shell’s political plans for the future?
Jonathan Shell has announced his intention to run for re-election as Kentucky’s Agriculture Commissioner in 2027. He expressed a desire to continue his work in promoting Kentucky’s agricultural interests and public health initiatives, emphasizing his commitment to the role and the state’s agricultural community.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Food is Medicine Initiative | A program providing nutritious food in medical facilities to address chronic health issues. |
| Employee Retention Plans | Proposals to improve salaries within the Kentucky Department of Agriculture to retain staff. |
| Child Advocacy Efforts | Involvement with CASA of Lexington and the All in Ag Week program to support foster children and promote food education. |
| Political Future | Announcement of plans to run for re-election as Agriculture Commissioner in 2027. |
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