A space for sharing, learning, and building a thoughtful food system for all.
The Food Connection at the University of Kentucky and FoodChain are joining forces to combine their signature events into a multi-day series May 21-23, 2025. The 7th Annual Kentucky Local Food Systems Summit will commence the afternoon of Wednesday, May 21st and continue all day on Thursday, May 22nd. The week will conclude with FEAST, FoodChain’s annual fundraising event at Fasig Tipton.
The Summit will feature breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and rich discussion and problem solving around local food systems in Kentucky and beyond. It will include a networking reception, lunch, and VIP/sponsor dinner all featuring Kentucky farm ingredients. Theme: Local Food Systems Advocacy + Action: What does advocacy and action look like in our everyday lives AND how do we leverage that to change the food system as a whole?
A key feature of the program this year is real solution seeking working groups. After the discussions have ended, leadership will pull out key themes and recurring barriers to success that are identified across the panels and speakers. These key themes will become topics for breakout working groups, led by national, regional, and state experts, who will facilitate all of the intellectual and problem solving power in attendance to find real solutions and develop action plans for the next steps in reshaping our food system, building equity, and uplifting all voices in our food system.
FEAST will continue to highlight Kentucky farm food with Chef-driven small bites & craft cocktails on their elevated farm to table tasting menu.
In 2024, FEAST raised $164,530 for FoodChain; funding which supports the work of forging links between community and fresh food with education and demonstration of sustainable food systems. This mission is echoed throughout the night of FEAST, with over $11,000 spent with 22 different KY farms in 2024, and $34,000 with other small KY owned businesses. In 2024, this event brought together more than 730 attendees, from across Kentucky and throughout the country.
Thank you to our 2025 Sponsors:
Amazing culinary talent from Kentucky and around the country
FEAST is Lexington’s premier culinary extravaganza, bringing together food enthusiasts for a spectacular exhibition of local flavors, talent, and the spirit of community. This much-anticipated annual event promises an unforgettable mix and mingle evening filled with exquisite small plates, complemented by an array of craft cocktails and mocktails, Kentucky’s finest bourbon, local beers, and select wines, set on an iconic KY horse farm, with the accompaniment of equally stunning KY musicians.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Local Food Systems Summit and FEAST directly support Kentucky Farmers through sourcing, networking, technical assistance, and by being a marketing force for the benefits of spending locally and supporting small farms and Kentucky businesses. Sponsorships allow these impacts to continue to grow agricultural opportunities while also ensuring that all Kentuckians have access to fresh and nourishing food.
Presenting Sponsor
Cornerstone Sponsor
VIP Reception Sponsor
Keynote Speaker Underwriting Sponsor
Unforgettable Moments Underswriting Sponsor
Local Food Sponsor
Community Partner Scholarship Sponsor
Why FEAST?
This evening, which has become legendary in food circles, began as an initiative of Chef Ouita Michel and 4 of the chefs she met at a James Beard Foundation Chef Boot Camp. Ouita, Abra, Amy, Jamilka, and Joy bonded over their dedication to changing our food system for the better and all agreed that supporting the work of FoodChain was a great place to start. FEAST then became the cornerstone event supporting FoodChain’s mission. Since it’s founding in 2011, FoodChain’s commitment to forging links between community and fresh, local food through education and demonstration of sustainable food systems initiated a journey which started by building KY’s first commercial indoor aquaponics farm, then creating a totally unique teaching and processing kitchen, which has provided over 1,000,000 meals and countless hours of direct food literacy education, and now looks to the next branch: a Neighborhood Green Grocery, destined to be a space for intentionally deepening relationships within the local food system through empowered food security and access. Join us on May 22, 2024 for an incredible culinary journey!
A Night to Remember
Enjoy live music throughout FEAST 2025 in partnership with the Pop! Pop! Emerging Musician’s Incubator Artist Program, a Berea-based initiative funded by a Music In Action Grant from Live Music Society, supporting up-and-coming talents. Plus, Joslyn & The Sweet Compression will return to energize the stage, inspiring the next generation of emerging artists. This vibrant musical lineup, paired with delicious food and drink, promises an unforgettable experience!
FEAST Through the Years
2023
2020
2017
Support the Cause
By joining us at FEAST 2024, in addition to enjoying an exceptional culinary experience; you’re also contributing to a sustainable future for our community. Proceeds from the event empower FoodChain to continue its vital work in food literacy education, sustainable agriculture development, and direct food access programs. This year’s efforts are dedicated to the launch of our first of its kind in the Bluegrass: Neighborhood Green Grocery!
FEAST 2024 Silent Auction
You don’t need a ticket to FEAST to bid on our incredible chef curated packages! From cooking classes to getaways in chefs’ hometowns, to an ice cream party in the Vault Room, there is something for everyone! Auction closes on May 22, so get your bid in now!