UK, Compass Group to expand opportunities for Kentucky farmers, grow local food economy

LEXINGTON, Ky. (June 26, 2026) — The University of Kentucky is strengthening its role as a partner to communities across the Commonwealth through a new approach to purchasing that shares opportunity far beyond campus. 

As part of UK’s Enterprise Services Partnership, UK and Compass Group, the university’s preferred partner, will launch a group purchasing organization (GPO) designed to increase access to Kentucky-grown products while creating more predictable markets for farmers. 

“This is about putting Kentucky first and using the scale we have at the university level to support the entire Commonwealth,” said UK President Eli Capilouto. “We are creating a system where we can be a good partner to our farmers, our local organizations and our communities to help them grow.” 

The GPO model will leverage Compass’ purchasing network and sourcing expertise to help connect Kentucky producers to consistent buyers — including UK and potentially local schools and organizations — at a much greater scale. It will also provide opportunities for organizations throughout the state to access broader purchasing programs that can help reduce costs on food, supplies and other commonly used products.  

“We understand the important role farmers and food producers play throughout Kentucky communities,” said Blair Choate, senior vice president, Compass Group at the University of Kentucky. “By combining the University of Kentucky’s reach with our purchasing expertise, we can help create new opportunities for Kentucky-grown products to reach schools, healthcare organizations and other institutions across the state. Building on relationships already in place and expanding access to new markets, we can further support local producers, strengthen Kentucky’s food system and help communities across the Commonwealth continue to thrive.”  

The initiative is designed to benefit individual farms and Kentucky’s agricultural economy. By increasing in-state purchasing, the GPO will help keep more economic activity and investment local while creating greater demand for Kentucky-grown products.  

“This is about building a stronger economy for the whole Commonwealth,” said Eric Monday, executive vice president for finance and administration and co-executive vice president for health affairs. “When we create more paths for Kentucky farmers and food businesses to grow, we also strengthen our supply chains, support local communities and keep more of that economic activity here at home. That is good business for UK and good business for the entire state.” 

The GPO will build on a proven foundation laid by The Food Connection, UK’s local food systems institute.  

Housed in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Food Connection lives out the university’s land-grant mission by working side by side with farmers and food businesses to connect them to wholesale and institutional markets. 

In the past three years, that work has led to more than $9 million in new sales, supported more than 40 new on-farm jobs and reached producers in 80 counties. 

“We’ve seen the value in providing practical support for farmers, from food safety to market access, so they can grow and succeed,” said Ashton Potter, executive director of The Food Connection. “We are excited for the opportunity this partnership has, to help even more local producers become wholesale-ready and ensure more Kentucky-grown food reaches our campuses and communities.”  

UK and Compass Group are continuing to finalize contract details and the GPO structure. Once details are finalized, UK will share more information about how organizations across the state can participate.  

Already, the partnership is committed to keeping current UK employees as UK employees with no changes to their pay or benefits. Read UK’s update to employees about the Enterprise Services Partnership. 

UK is lowering student meal plan prices by 5% this upcoming academic year. Read UK’s update for students about that plan. 

Starting with the upcoming football season, fans will see cheaper prices on core concession items. Read UK’s plan for an enhanced game day. 

To better serve communities, UK and Compass Group will launch a mobile food initiative to take food, education, healthcare and resources directly to Kentuckians. Read about the vision for “Food Force One.” 

Learn more about UK’s Enterprise Services Partnership online at https://evpfa.uky.edu/enterprise-services-partnership.