FoodChain

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.

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Current Sustainable Practices

Below are the initiatives FoodChain has completed on the Green Check scorecard.

Sustainability Management and the Green Team

  • Develop a written Comprehensive Sustainability Plan.
  • Designate a Sustainability Coordinator or Green Team responsible for managing sustainability initiatives.
  • Hold quarterly Green Team meetings.
  • Provide time for quarterly updates from Sustainability Coordinator in upper management meetings.

Awareness, Education, and Outreach

  • Provide a sustainability information board in a common area such as a break room or kitchen.
  • Include a sustainability statement and training in all new hire materials.
  • Host annual trainings or workshops to educate employees about sustainability issues, policies and procedures.
  • Promote sustainability accomplishments in external marketing materials (website, social media, newsletter, press releases, TV/radio ads).
  • Provide volunteers for community environmental projects annually.
  • Host an environmental event at your location.
  • Participate in, present at or attend a sustainability workshop.

Energy Efficiency

  • Establish a power-down policy and checklist that includes items such as shutting off lights at night.
  • Set water heater thermostats to a maximum of 120 degrees or install an inline water heater.
  • Replace incandescent or CFL lights with LED lights (76-100% replacement).
  • Establish a regular filter maintenance policy for your HVAC system.
  • Have your HVAC system evaluated every 2 years by a certified service provider.
  • Establish a dress code that encourages employees to dress for thermal comfort.
  • Install power strips for computers and equipment to power down during non-business hours.
  • Install programmable thermostats and use them to adjust temperature during unoccupied hours.
  • Install occupancy sensors in bathrooms, meeting room, and other infrequently used areas.
  • Install or upgrade to energy efficient fans.
  • Install energy efficient (i.e. Energy Star) rated windows in all conditioned spaces.
  • Take measures to insulate HVAC system and ductwork to minimize heat loss.
  • Daylight work spaces wherever possible.

Waste Reduction and Recycling

  • Implement a basic recycling program.
  • Provide clearly marked recycling bins at work stations and/or in common areas. Recycling bins must be paired with a waste bin.
  • Train and require janitorial service or staff responsible for cleaning to segregate waste and recyclable materials.
  • Use reusable mugs and dishware instead of disposable plates, cups, and utensils.
  • Establish a policy for environmentally friendly printing such as two sided printing, reusing copy paper, and electronic document sharing.
  • Establish an electronic waste policy that diverts all e-waste away from landfill.
  • Develop or participate in an existing composting program.
  • Host, sponsor, or participate in a zero-waste event.

Water Conservation

  • Install water efficient faucets in all of the restrooms.
  • Install water efficient toilets in all of the restrooms.

Water Quality

  • Establish a policy for proper hazardous waste and chemical disposal.
  • Establish a policy for proper disposal of fats, oils, and grease, distribute to staff, and post in key areas.
  • Post information in restrooms about proper disposal of flushable wipes and other items.
  • Coordinate or participate in a community litter clean-up.
  • Install outdoor ash trays to prevent cigarette litter, and make pocket ash trays available to staff who smoke.

Urban Forestry and Landscapes

  • Participate in a community reforestation project.
  • Plant a pollinator garden.

Sustainable Purchasing

  • Establish a policy to purchase non-Styrofoam cups and plates for use at the workplace or at events.
  • Establish a policy for purchasing locally, if available.

Transportation Efficiency

  • Establish and implement a no-idling policy.
  • Adopt a telecommuting option and make it available to employees.
  • Install a bike rack with sufficient space for at least 10% of your employees.
  • Install weather-protected bike storage (indoor or outdoor).
  • Participate in a bike to work challenge.
  • Place bicycle storage closer than any other designated parking spot.

Innovation

  • Offer opportunities for youth in Lexington.

Member since 2023