FEAST 2024

Food equity and access sustains tomorrow.

A benefit for FoodChain

Presented by Nancy Barron & Associates

Only the Best

Join Us for an Evening of Culinary Excellence and Community Impact

FEAST is more than just a food event; it’s a movement to a world where    Food Equity & Access Sustains Tomorrow. On May 22, 2024 at Fasig-Tipton, 25+ celebrated chefs, including award-winning and James Beard-recognized talents, are set to transform locally sourced ingredients into culinary masterpieces, showcasing the versatility and richness of Kentucky’s produce.

FoodChain is thrilled to announce Nancy Barron & Associates as our presenting sponsor for FEAST! “We are thrilled to host these outstanding female chefs from across the United States and especially here in Kentucky,” said Nancy T. Barron II. “We feel honored to sponsor this event in support of an organization that does so much for Lexington, and to advance the dialog surrounding food sustainability and accessibility.”

Thank you to our  FEAST 2024 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.

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

In addition to the unforgettable food and drink, your time at FEAST 2024 will be accompanied by female led, KY musical acts that pair perfectly with the atmosphere, good vibes, and uplifting mood of the evening’s festivities. We are supremely excited to announce that Senora May and Joslyn & the Sweet Compression will be the presenting musical artists at FEAST in 2024. Additionally- Bella Ave will grace the entrance with her magical classic violin wafting through the air as guests explore the grounds and discover mind blowing bites!

Watch this 2.2 min video about JBF,  what Good Food for Good stands for and the types of programs that are rooted in leadership, equity, and sustainability.

Friends of James Beard

This year, FEAST for FoodChain is honored to be part of the Friends of James Beard Benefit Series, in support of the James Beard Foundation’s mission and programs, thanks to the generous sponsorship of VisitLEX. 

The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.

Programs include culinary and food studies scholarships, mentorship programs, policy and advocacy training boot camps for chefs, policy summits, women’s entrepreneurial leadership program with Cornell University, food waste and sustainable seafood initiatives, commissioning original industry research, programs to support the BIPOC and Queer Communities, culinary diplomacy programs with the State Department, and many more.

FEAST Through the Years

2023

FEAST 2023

2020

FEAST 2020

2017

FEAST

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!

Sponsorship Opportunities for FEAST 2024

Interested in a sponsorship? Contact us at the link below!