The James Beard Foundation’s Programs department is committed to establishing a more equitable, fair, and sustainable food system for all through education, advocacy, and thought leadership. From 10-week training programs to data-driven reports and a virtual education library, JBF Programs aspire to give chefs and their colleagues a voice and the tools they need to make real and meaningful change in their businesses and in their communities.

Explore our Programs by clicking on the buttons below. Receive updates, including on application deadlines and educational programming by signing up for the JBF Industry Support newsletter

 

 

Group of bootcamp chefs behind a table photo by Clay Williams
The March 2022 Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change class (Photo: Clay Williams)

 

Background

JBF Programs represent the evolution and solidification of the food systems advocacy work that JBF has undertaken in recent years. In an effort to recognize visionaries helping to create a more healthful, sustainable, and safe food world, the Foundation launched the annual JBF Leadership Awards in 2011. Recognizing the power of the voice of the culinary community in advocating for change in our food system, in summer of 2012 JBF launched the Chef Bootcamp for Policy and Change, which educates established chefs about the effective advocacy skills that can be leveraged to create food-system change at the local, regional, and federal levels. We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bootcamp throughout the year, culminating in our second Chef Action Summit, which will take place in Houston, January 29-31, 2023. In 2017, we launched the Women’s Entrepreneurial Leadership program, which helps women and non-binary restaurant owners grow their businesses. The Fellows program launched in 2021, offering training that support hospitality professionals at the start of their careers.

These major programs and other initiatives have culminated in the Foundation’s broader commitment to becoming a leading voice for a more equitable and sustainable food world. bringing together chefs, farmers, food companies, and others in the culinary community to dissect issues and facilitate participation around the biggest challenges facing our society.

In an effort to engage the culinary community in the ongoing process of promoting an equitable, sustainable food system that provides nutritious and delicious food for all, the JBF Impact Programs is committed to:

  • Engaging key stakeholders across the culinary community in the creation of an equitable, sustainable food system
  • Building a constituency of advocates to influence food policy at the local, state, and federal levels
  • Providing clear and effective ways for the culinary community and consumers to take action

 
For more information on JBF Programs, partnership, and funding opportunities, please email impactforward@jamesbeard.org.