Mission & History
Mission of FoodChain
History of FoodChain
Our Mission
To forge links between community and fresh food with education and demonstration of sustainable food systems.
FoodChain opens doors to participate, to create, to share. We are a nonprofit organization increasing access to locally sourced, fresh food for everyone. For the past 12 years, we have partnered with our local community to empower people to love food with innovative methods of direct food access, unique and accessible food literacy programming, and a one-of-a-kind indoor aquaponic farm. This is how we model a more sustainable food system.
Core Values
Persist
We’re relentless in our mission to serve. Doing whatever it takes we lead with passion and a heart for justice.
Innovate
To create change, we have to do things differently. Whether in the moment or planning ahead, our curiosity is our superpower.
Connect
Our focus is community. From food access to education, we listen with knowledge and empathy, ready to respond to needs.
Support
We provide stability to our team and our community, cultivating a sense of belonging and safety for everyone.
FoodChain
Over the Years
2011
Officially Incorporated
- Becca Self founded FoodChain on October 19, 2011 and became the first tenant of the former Rainbo Bread Factory
2013
Fish on the Farm
- On March 29, 2013 the first fish were introduced into the aquaponics farm
2015
Chat ‘n Chow
- The first Chat ‘n Chow was held on FoodChain’s farm, inviting our neighbors to share a meal and conversation
2017
FoodChain’s Kitchen
- The teaching and processing kitchen officially opened, working with farmers to procure seconds and surplus and kicking off our food sector job training program
2019
SFSP and Shrimp
- FoodChain began feeding kids in the summer through the USDA Summer Food Service Program AND partnered with Kentucky State University to install our marine shrimp system!
2020
Nourish Lexington
- On April 8, 2020, in response to the COVID pandemic, FoodChain, VisitLex, Keeneland, and the Murry Foundation established Nourish Lexington to provide food and work to our community
2023
B.U.F.F.
- FoodChain and Seedleaf kick off Bluegrass Urban Farm Friends: a UAIP grant funded program to provide urban ag education
2024
LFPA
- FoodChain was awarded a Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant to expand our Nourish Program!
2026
Neighborhood Green Grocery
- In May 2026, FoodChain opened the Neighborhood Green Grocery on Lexington’s north side, bringing fresh, local, and affordable food to a neighborhood long considered a food desert