Lexington’s Green Check program certifies businesses that strive to be environmentally conscious. They get recognized for making the city a more sustainable place to work and live. The program, administered by the Division of Environmental Services, began in 2016.
Representatives from Lexington Habitat for Humanity, Visit LEX, and Wild Birds Unlimited met at FoodChain for a tour of the facility. The tour also served as a chance for Green Check members to network and share ideas.
Arin Arnold-Davis is the Director of Destination Stewardship and Community Engagement at VisitLEX. She said, “It’s very interesting to see such creative sustainability solutions from other businesses. FoodChain’s mission of food education and solving food scarcity is inspiring. They have gone above and beyond to do things that are sustainable and good for the environment.”
The tour began in the back room of FoodChain’s facility, where an aquaponics farm lights up the room. Rows of produce shine under LED lights. The nonprofit’s selection ranges from fresh microgreens to massive bundles of lettuce. Their produce includes varieties of oregano, chard, kale, and more.
At the start of the tour, Ethan, a FoodChain farm manager, guided us through the aquaponics process. The process begins with six Tilapia tanks, which hold around 500 Tilapia. The fish waste goes through a conversion process turning it into plant food. The ammonia in the fish waste transforms into a nitrate through helpful bacteria in the system. Nitrates are a less toxic form of nitrogen that promotes plant growth. The bacteria acts as a natural filter, assisting in a process called nitrification. The water then flows through connective pipes into the grow beds. The plants thrive from these nutrients and filter them out, leaving ammonia-free water. This water goes back into the tanks, keeping the Tilapia healthy.
Marine shrimp are also raised in this part of the facility. Supported by a similar saline aquaponics bed, this system helps grow adaptable plants. These include plants commonly known as sea asparagus, sea beans, and pickleweed, which we got to try.
Both of these aquaponic systems support local food systems with their supply. The produce and tilapia are sold to many businesses in Lexington and even Frankfort.
Later, Kristin, the Co-Executive Director & Director of Education and Outreach at FoodChain took us to the front of the facility. FoodChain’s impact on the community is no small feat. Their work in free meal distribution and youth outreach has impacted thousands. They have provided families with tools to create delicious and nutritious meals. FoodChain addresses food insecurity through many programs. These include programs such as Farm-to-school, Classroom Aquaponics Program, and Bluegrass Urban Farm Friends program (BUFF). Each of these programs focus on youth education in regard to food systems. They break down aspects of these systems like agriculture and symbiotic relationships.
The city will host Green Check events like this one in the future. The goal of these is to develop a community within the program. The events also serve to encourage the sharing of sustainable initiatives amongst businesses.
Arnold-Davis said this regarding the city’s Green Check program:
“VisitLEX is currently a silver Green Check member. But, we are always looking for ways to improve our own sustainability efforts. It is refreshing to see the innovative ways businesses are solving sustainability problems. It’s motivating to visit these facilities and meet the people getting the work done.”
