Our Mission
Forging links between community and fresh food through education and demonstration of sustainable food systems.
Who We Are
Food opens doors to participate, to create, to share. We are a nonprofit organization increasing access to locally sourced, fresh food for everyone. From unique programming in and out of the kitchen to aquaponic farming to outreach and education, we partner with our local community to serve and empower people to know and love food.
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. We empower people to participate in all things food by hosting programs in the classroom, at farmers’ markets, and on farms.
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.
FoodChain Snacks
Serving nutritional, yummy snacks to 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) in our community will still have access to free, locally sourced breakfast, lunches, and snacks 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.
FoodChain's Nourish Lexington
We operate a meal delivery service and distribute meals to our community, providing access to locally-sourced fresh food.
Hours of Operation
MON – FRI
9:00am – 5:00pm
SATURDAY
9:00am-12:00pm (Volunteer Hours)
1:00pm – 2:00pm (Public Tour!)
501 W 6th St
Suite #105
Lexington, KY 40508
(859)428-8380
We offer public tours every Saturday starting at 1:00pm
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!
