Our Mission
Who We Are
FoodChain works to connect the Lexington community to fresh food and cultivate more active participation in the local food system. We do this through programming in our kitchen, tours and activities on our aquaponics farm, and through outreach in our community. We believe that all people deserve food and that fresh food is not a luxury for a few. Together we can build a more just, equitable, and sustainable food system for ALL.
Kitchen
In our teaching and processing kitchen, we focus our programming around three main objectives:
- Boost kitchen confidence.
- Discover seasonality of fruits and vegetables.
- Explore personal food preferences.
Farm
Sustainability and innovation are the driving forces behind our aquaponics farm at FoodChain. The recirculating system recycles water and nutrients, enabling us to conserve more resources compared to other farming practices.
Outreach
Education and outreach is at the heart of what we do. Whether it is in a classroom, at the farmers market, or on the farm, the scope of our programs aim to teach, engage, and inspire others to be part of cultivating a healthier local food system!
How We Do It
Chat N Chow
Hosting a free community meal once a month that is freshly prepared and made with locally sourced ingredients.
Cook. Eat. Grow.
Educating youth about valuable kitchen and cooking skills with locally sourced food.
Power of Produce
The Power of Produce Empowers youth with knowledge of seasonal fruits and veggies at local farmers markets
Farm to School
Farm to School Brings fresh and locally raised foods into Central Kentucky’s schools
Processing
Processing locally grown produce surplus and distributing to food banks and consumers in our community.
Snacks In the Kitchen
Serving nutritional, yummy snacks to neighborhood youth throughout the school year.
Community Nutrition
Providing health education and cooking classes to individuals and groups in the community.
Food Sector Job Training
Providing culinary education and job training to people in the community who have barriers to employment.
Summer Food Service Program
Summer Food Service Program ensures that youth (0-18) who qualify for free and reduced lunch in our community will still have access to free, locally sourced lunches during summer break.
Classroom Aquaponics
Installing mini-aquaponics systems in classrooms across central Kentucky to provide immersive learning experiences.
Stir It Up Cooking Classes
We offer cooking classes for a variety of ages and participants so people can gain kitchen confidence and learn to make food choices that are good for both our bodies and the food system.
Nourish Lexington
A call to action collaboration between FoodChain, VisitLex, Keeneland, and the Murry Family Foundation to provide meals to the community, jobs to displaced workers, and access to fresh food from Kentucky farmers.
Hours of Operation
FoodChain is currently closed to the public due to COVID-19
9:00am – 5:00pm
We are not offering tours at this time in effort to keep staff and community safe.
You can pre-order tickets here,
Or just show up at our front door, through the lobby of Smithtown Seafood any Saturday
Drop Us a Line
Don’t be shy. Let us know if you have any questions!
