FoodChain

Here's a quick introduction to our Bluegrass Urban Farm Friends (BUFF) program which offers paid internships to middle and high school students!

Spotlighting one of our Aquaponics Researchers: Dorcas Lukwesa

Dorcus' passion for agriculture began in a farming community in Zambia where she grew up. She earned a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences from EARTH University in Costa Rica and a Master’s degree in Horticulture from Auburn University in Alabama specializing in aquaponics farming systems. Her deep interest in both agriculture and aquaponics led her to join FoodChain.

💚 THANK YOU! 💙

What an incredible day at our Grillin' & Chillin' Youth Cooking Competition!👩🏽‍🍳👨🏽‍🍳

From our amazing youth chefs and dedicated volunteers to our incredible Chef Cole Johnson El-Amin, our talented Chef Judges, our amazing photographers who captured every memorable moment, our families, sponsors, and everyone who came out to support, thank you.

Because of you, young people had the opportunity to build confidence, sharpen their culinary skills, work as a team, and create something they were truly proud of. Your generosity, encouragement, and belief in our youth made this event a tremendous success.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible sponsors:
💚 Blue Grass Community Foundation
💚 Whole Foods Market
💚 The Greenery
💚 MBC Monticello Bank
💚 The Melroy

This event was truly a community effort, and we're so grateful for everyone who gave their time, talent, resources, and heart to invest in the next generation.

We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for helping make Grillin' & Chillin' 2026 such an incredible success!** ❤️

Dinner Menu this week at FoodChain.
Menu de cena esta semana en FoodChain.

Free meals for kids 1-18 years old as part of the USDA Sun Meals program. We will be at Coolavin Park from 11:30-1:30pm Monday through Friday. Join us on Monday for Nature in Your Neighborhood, Thursday for The National Preparedness Network, and Friday for Lazy Lefy Art and Operation Copsical!

💚 It takes a community.

Before we wrap up an incredible Grillin' & Chillin', we'd like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who helped make this experience possible.

Because of your generosity, young people had the opportunity to learn new skills, build confidence, work alongside local chefs, and create lasting memories.

Thank you to:
💙 Blue Grass Community Foundation
💚 The Greenery
💙 Monticello Bank
❤️ Melroy
💚 Whole Foods Market

Your investment in our youth and our community made this event possible. Thank you for believing in the next generation of leaders and chefs.

🎒 Today's the Day!

The YMCA Back to School Rally is happening today at Coolavin Park!

Bring your elementary, middle, or high school student to receive a FREE backpack and school supplies while supplies last.

📍 Coolavin Park
550 W. 6th Street
🕛 12 PM–4 PM

We'll also be celebrating Smithtown Day and FoodChain's Grillin' & Chillin' Youth Cooking Competition, making it a fun-filled day for the whole family.

We'll see you there! 💙

Meet Our Chef Judges! 🔥

We're excited to welcome our incredible Chef Judges for this year's Grillin' & Chillin' Youth Cooking Competition!

✨ Chef Philip Cronin – Jeff Ruby's Steakhouse, Lexington
✨ Chef Mikaili Sturgis – Chef Li's Private Kitchen
✨ Chef Natalia Tejera – Natalia's pastry shop

Thank you for investing your time, talent, and expertise in the next generation of young chefs.

It's competition day!👩🏽‍🍳👨🏾‍🍳

⏰ Tomorrow is the day!

Don't forget to stop by the YMCA Back to School Rally at Coolavin Park!

📅 Saturday, August 1
🕛 12 PM–4 PM

Free backpacks and school supplies will be available while supplies last for elementary, middle, and high school students.

Tag a parent or share this post to help spread the word!

Our community continues to show up. ❤️

A huge thank you to these THREE incredible photographers for donating their time and talent to capture this year's Grillin' & Chillin' Youth Cooking Competition!

📸 Blueprint Studios, https://sl1nk.com/hwysmt5
📸 Von Visuals, https://sl1nk.com/7asy21e
📸 Honeysage Photo Co, https://www.amaninichae.com/

As a nonprofit, in-kind support like this makes such a difference. These photos won't just preserve memories, they'll help us tell the story of our youth, our volunteers, our community partners, and the impact we're making together.

Thank you for believing in this event and for investing in the next generation. We truly couldn't do this without our community.

Please show these amazing photographers some love by giving them a follow! ❤️👏🏾

Community really is the secret ingredient. 🫶🏾🔥