Bluegrass Urban Farm Friends

Bluegrass Urban Farm Friends (BUFF) is a collaborative initiative formed in 2023 by Seedleaf and FoodChain. Through paid internships for middle and high school students, BUFF combines hands-on urban agriculture experiences—from raised-bed gardening to aquaponics installations—with field trips to local farms and community sites. By illuminating modern agricultural careers and fostering leadership skills, BUFF empowers youth to explore sustainable food systems and become change-makers in their communities.

BUFF Summer 2026 Applications Now Open!

Middle School Application
High School Application

Support Urban Ag

FoodChain is looking for donations of 2” PVC pipe to help us build vertical aquaponics systems in schools, community centers, and recovery centers! These systems provide hands-on learning opportunities, teaching students and community members about sustainable food production and aquaponic growing.
If you have leftover PVC pipe from a project, don’t let it go to waste—donate it to FoodChain! 💛
📍 Drop-off Location: FoodChain, 501 W. Sixth St. Suite 105
🕘 Donation Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM – 4 PM
Your donation helps us bring innovative, sustainable food education to more people in our community.

BUFF Intern Projects

Our first summer BUFF students worked with us to create an “Aquaponics 101” video, introducing viewers to the basics of integrated fish and plan farming. Since that first summer, students who participated in our Summer BUFF program were invited to propose their own unique projects focused on various aspects of urban agriculture. Thes projects range from innovative gardening methods, a book based on their experiences, and optimization of our smaller aquaponics systems. Click on their project outlines to read more!