The James Beard Foundation supports legislation and programs that help turn restaurant jobs into long and healthy careers, and expand who receives access to leadership, visibility, financial stability, and capital. Learn more about our policy priorities.

The James Beard Foundation’s Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change was created in 2012 and is the foundation of our ongoing industry advocacy programs. Since March 2020, many Bootcamp alumni have put their advocacy training to work along with other industry leaders to urge policymakers to provide funding and create policies to keep restaurants open.  

Chef advocacy is an important arm of the James Beard Foundation. The voices of the community are more important and powerful than ever. For more information and updates sign up for the industry support newsletter

Applications for 2025 Spring Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change™  are now open.

Apply here.

Applications close at 11:59 P.M. PST on February 19th   

The James Beard Foundation’s Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change provides a unique opportunity for civically and politically minded chefs to become more effective leaders for industry and food-system change. During thematic retreats around the country, participants receive advocacy and media training while learning about important issues, policies, challenges, and opportunities facing the food system.  

The 2025 Spring Chef Bootcamp will be held May 11-13 at Carnation Farms in Carnation, Washington.  

2025 Chef Action Summit

April 6-8, 2025
Asheville, North Carolina

REGISTER HERE

Please join the James Beard Foundation for our third Chef Action Summit. We'll bring together chefs, restaurateurs, food system and industry leaders from across the country to take their advocacy to the next level around the most pressing legislative and operational priorities for our community. 

Attendees will hear from and engage with powerful speakers from the culinary, policy, non-profit, and corporate worlds, and have the opportunity to dive deep into important issues, and sharpen skills around policy making. 


Sponsors

Program Sponsors

            

   


Official James Beard Foundation Partners