Campus Kitchen
The Campus Kitchen at University of Kentucky
Winner of the 2021 and 2022 UK Student Organization of the Year
Campus Kitchen Fund
Give to The Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky to support students in eliminating food insecurity and food waste.
Donate TodayMake Life-Changing Contributions Through Student-Powered Hunger Relief
The Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky (CKUK) is a student-powered organization dedicated to reducing food waste and eliminating food insecurity. We recover food and produce from campus dining facilities, grocery stores, and farmers markets to prepare healthy, balanced meals for those experiencing poverty, hunger, isolation, and/or homelessness in the Lexington and UK community. CKUK also works to target the root causes of hunger and food waste on campus and in the community through education and programming. Contact us for more information at CampusKitchen@uky.edu.
Internship and research opportunities available based on student interest. Contact us to learn more!
Earn Course Credit
Working with CKUK can earn credit hours in several courses including DHN 320 as part of the Certificate in Food Systems and Hunger Studies.
Review the CertificateFast Facts: Fall 2014-Summer 2024
Over 10 years of operation (Fall 2014 – Summer 2024), Campus Kitchen has:
Recovered over 100,000 lbs of food what would have otherwise gone to waste!
Served nearly 45,000 meals on campus and in the Lexington community
This work is only possible due to our student leaders and volunteers! Each year, approximately 1,200 students volunteer their time with CKUK!
100,000
Pounds
Our volunteers have recovered more than 100 thousand pounds of food from local grocers and restaurants. More than 1/4 was fresh produce and the recovery has saved 8 million gallons of water
45,000
Meals
The Campus Kitchen has served more than 45 thousand meals to students and communities in need which has impacted 4,000 individuals in communities in need in the Lexington area.
9,000
Volunteers
More than 9 thousand UK students have stepped up in a big way to serve their community. These students come from more than 100 majors who have accumulated 15,000 volunteer hours.
Become a Volunteer
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. The Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky emerged out of a pursuit to inspire and support the community, and a desire for actions to speak louder than words. Established in 2000, we’re an organization driven by progressive ideas, bold actions, and a strong foundation of support.
If you're a new volunteer, we recommend you try out a cooking shift to get introduced to the organization and its mission. Volunteers are always needed for the Wednesday morning cooking shifts ahead of Farm-to-Fork! For directions on how to sign up, review the instructions below.
Recovery Shift
Recover food from farms, farmers' markets, grocery stores and restaurants and dining facilities on campus. Volunteers collect items being donated and deliver them back to our kitchen.
Volunteer
Cooking Shift
Prepare healthy, homemade meals that will later be distributed to students or local communities in need. Volunteers combine fresh, recovered foods into well-balanced meals.
Volunteer
Delivery Shift
Deliver healthy, prepared meals to residents in Lexington and students on campus. Learn more about the variety of delivery shifts and dates volunteers are needed.
Volunteer
Get Involved
Free Meals & Activities
Visit BBNvolved-CKUK to find event activities and RSVP for events, like our free, locally-sourced lunches and community dinners for students struggling with hunger. We provide to-go lunches each Wednesday on campus.
BBNvolvedHelp the Community
You can assist in eliminating food waste and lowering food insecurity by donating to our organization. Gifts to this fund help offset operational expenses of CKUK as we work to offer more meals, reduce food waste, and empower the community.
DonateMake Our Recipies
Follow our CKUK blog and learn how to make the healthy, seasonal meals you enjoyed at Farm to Fork or one of our cooking events. Share comments to let our volunteers know what recipes you enjoyed and about your cooking experience.
BlogCKUK In the News
News Archive
Become a Member
Members are required to volunteer at least 10 hours per semester, attend at least one shift captain meeting per semester and submit a reflection about your volunteer experiences with CKUK. Membership is granted once all of these steps are completed. Request to join BBNvolved-CKUK and you will be added to our email list and receive organization-wide updates and information about events.
Learn more about how Campus Kitchen at the University of Kentucky operates by reading our bylaws.
Department of Dietetics and Human Nutrition
204 Funkhouser Building
Lexington, KY 40506
859-257-3800
