A Lexington non-profit seeking to connect citizens to fresh food through education and demonstration of sustainable food systems is getting a new director. Pine Bluff Arkansas native Chaquenta Neal relocated to Lexington to pursue a master’s degree in ag economics from the University of Kentucky. She will become only the second director of FoodChain. Founder and director Becca Self said Neal is well suited for the position. “Our mission overlaps with her personal passions. Access to fresh food and education and familiarity around wholesome local ingredients is something that is significant to her and a passion of hers that she carries naturally with her,” said Self.
Neal will begin her new job the end of November. FoodChain is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Self will join the board of directors and serve as a community advocate for local, sustainable, equitable food production and distribution.
Self said it’s estimated FoodChain has had over 400,000 educational contacts, both on-site and out in the community. “So, we’re trying to create as many sticky points for community members to connect to how fresh food can matter to them, whether that be growing food in non-traditional ways. We have an indoor aquaponics farm in our facility. Eating new foods, trying to prepare new foods, potentially getting a job within the local food system,” explained Self.
Self said an aquaponics site is where fish, clean water, and leafy crops all co-exist and benefit each other. She added about 50,000 people have benefitted from FoodChain distribution during the pandemic.
