The James Beard Foundation

Today, we’re excited to announce a transformative partnership with Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP), transitioning our longstanding scholarship program to an organization with a proven track record of supporting culinary education. For over 30 years, C-CAP has created economic mobility for its students by providing essential skills, college scholarships, and career opportunities through their hospitality education and workforce development programs. Their demonstrated expertise, extensive industry network, and proven scholarship administration make them the ideal partner to carry our scholarship program forward. We are proud of the lives our scholarship program has touched and excited for this new chapter. Together with C-CAP, we will create even stronger pathways for tomorrow's culinary leaders and shape the future of our industry. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3ZOimt9

Climate change is not only an environmental crisis but also an economic one, impacting independent restaurants and the local food supply chains they rely on. That’s why we launched our Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign, where hundreds of chef-advocates have joined us at our roundtable discussions, meetings with nationwide representatives on the Hill, and more. The farm bill has the potential to transform and protect our food system, ensuring that all Americans have access to the food they need. But major programs that support chefs and farmers, fight climate change, and help feed the hungry are in jeopardy. Action is needed NOW to protect critical funding in the farm bill during the 2024 lame-duck legislative session and potentially beyond. Read more on the blog to learn about what’s at stake, and what you can do now: https://bit.ly/4gr8vyD

Today, the James Beard Foundation and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) gathered a group of chefs in Washington, D.C. to share their experiences as owners and operators of independent restaurants, educate federal policymakers, and galvanize action to mitigate the impacts of climate change as part of our Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign. Climate change is not only an environmental crisis; it’s a clear and present economic danger to a thriving independent restaurant industry. We need Congress to safeguard the historical investment made by the Inflation Reduction Action for climate-smart conservation funding. #JBFChefsLead (📸 : Andrew Noh)

As kitchens across America buzz with holiday preparations and restaurants fill with festive gatherings, we're reminded that food is more than just a delicious meal—it's the thread that weaves through our most pressing social issues. From climate change, to labor inequity, to food waste, the challenges facing our food system demand urgent attention. The James Beard Foundation has long made a difference in generations of culinary professionals and food lovers. Today, our work is more vital than ever as we lead the industry forward by taking on challenges facing the culinary community and bringing solutions to scale through our industry-leading initiatives and programs that amplify culinary excellence. This holiday season, consider making an investment in the future of American food culture. Make a tax-deductible donation: https://bit.ly/3CWJrRK

Only a few days left to submit to the 2025 James Beard Awards®! Who would YOU thank in your acceptance speech? Submit your entry or recommendation for the 2025 James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One by November 29, 2024: https://bit.ly/3V475lB Thank you to Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) - O'Hare & Midway International Airports for welcoming travelers to our Awards ceremonies in Chicago and supporting this program where culinary dreams take flight!

Your seat at the most exciting national culinary series awaits! Tickets to Taste America events this February and March are now LIVE! Presented by Capital One, these extraordinary evenings bring you face-to-face with acclaimed chefs to hear the stories behind their signature dishes, and connect you with other food lovers in your community. Reserve your spot now: https://bit.ly/4fBf8hW (📸: Max Flatow, Megan Swann, Fiasco Media, Rush Jagoe)

📣 Attention culinary storytellers: there’s just over a week left to submit your entry to the 2025 Media Awards! Whether you're capturing the soul of a family recipe, investigating food systems, or documenting culinary innovation, there’s a books, broadcast media, or journalism category where your work can shine. Submit your entry or recommendation for the 2025 James Beard Awards® presented by Capital One by November 29, 2024: https://bit.ly/3Ohci5S (📸: Huge Galdones, Jack Li, Getty/Jeff Schear)

Climate change isn’t just an environmental crisis—it’s an economic crisis affecting restaurant jobs, revenue, and food supply chains. Preserving the Inflation Reduction Act funding for climate-smart agriculture is desperately needed and will help independent restaurants and the farmers that supply them grapple with the impact of climate change. We were also gratified to see that the farm bill recognizes the importance of addressing food insecurity and promoting access to healthy and nutritious food for all Americans by strengthening SNAP. This program plays a crucial role in ensuring that children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities and others in need have access to the nutrition they need to thrive. The James Beard Foundation remains committed to advocating for federal policies that fight climate change, support independent restaurants, the farmers that supply them, and all Americans in need. Read the full statement: https://bit.ly/40V3c6m

LAST CHANCE to take our survey before it closes tonight! Chefs, restaurant owners, and operators, we want to hear from you. Take it now: https://lnkd.in/eVWiftpH

Last month, 16 chefs inspired to become effective leaders in advocacy, sustainability, and food system change gathered for our 27th Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change™ at Carnation Farms in Carnation, Washington. They exchanged learnings from their advocacy work to date, practiced developing issue-specific presentations for policy makers, and came together in the kitchen to prepare a collaborative meal as a community. Thank you to partners like YETI for their continued support of this impactful program. (📷: Kyler Martin)