On October 19th, 2024, Independence Bank teams across the state came together for their inaugural “Day of Good.” Over 450 employees, family members and board members supported 29 non-profits across 15 counties in Kentucky all day. The Lexington team spent their Day of Good with FoodChain.

FoodChain’s mission is to provide an equitable and sustainable food system in our city. For 13 years, they have collaborated with the local community to empower people with food through innovative methods of direct food access, unique and accessible food literacy programming, and a one of- a-kind indoor aquaponics farm to provide meals and services to those without access to healthy resources.

“The moment you step into FoodChain’s kitchen, you can sense something extraordinary is happening inside,” the Lexington team explained. “FoodChain services aren’t a handout but a hand up. They want to ensure everyone has access to fresh food but also learn to love to eat locally sourced food.”

It’s no coincidence that Independence Bank’s motto is “We’re Here. For GOOD.” Since 1909, the family and employee-owned community bank has improved the quality of lives in the areas of their 26 locations in 15 counties. Based in Owensboro, Kentucky, Independence Bank is the fourth-largest Kentucky bank with over $3.7 billion in assets. With a footprint as far west as Murray and extending through Bowling Green, the Bank began to develop markets in Central Kentucky over seven years ago and launched in Lexington in the spring of 2022.

During their Day of Good at FoodChain, the Lexington team packed Nourish boxes — boxes of meal kits delivered to families in need — sorted and prepped donated food, maintained the aquaponics farm, and so much more. “When our team volunteers together, everyone brings something unique to the table. Independence Bank plans to make Day of Good at least an annual event.” As they’ve flourished over the last 100 years, Independence Bank has been able to reinvest over $1 million every year through charitable giving and meeting basic community needs. “Giving back has become our position of strength,” Stacy Berge, Lexington President, reflected. “In 1909, we began with lean and limber service in the communities we serve. As we have grown, we haven’t forgotten our roots and the power of coming together. We firmly believe that you can start something great by doing something good.”