Between its cadre of celebrity chefs, delicious local tastings, and fun-filled culinary activities, James Beard Foundation’s Taste America® is giving us plenty of reasons to get excited. But perhaps most important, this festival will be supporting a number of worthy causes as it makes its way around the country. Here’s a snapshot of the local charities Taste America will be partnering with in each city.
Careers through Culinary Arts Program
Operating programs across the country, “C-CAP” prepares underserved high school students for college and career opportunities in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
Common Threads
Established by chef Art Smith and artist Jesus Salgueiro, Common Threads teaches children from Chicago’s underserved communities how to cook wholesome, healthy meals.
The Cooking Project
The brainchild of Taste America All-Star Daniel Patterson, this San Francisco–based nonprofit provides cooking instruction to underprivileged teens and young adults. Prominent local chefs act as guest instructors for many of the classes.
Epicurean Charitable Foundation
This Las Vegas–based nonprofit lends a helping hand to promising high school students who plan to study hospitality and the culinary arts, awarding them scholarships or placing them in mentorships at some of the most prestigious hotels in Sin City.
FreshFarm Markets
Based in Washington, D.C., this charity strives to improve the local and sustainable food movement in the Chesapeake Bay region and runs several farmers’ markets throughout the area.
Greener Partners
With a mission to connect communities through food, farms, and education, Greener Partners strengthens access to local food, offers training to new farmers, and educates consumers about the origins of ingredients.
Los Angeles Community Garden Council
This nonprofit organization connects Los Angeles–area residents with the county’s numerous community gardens.
Pine Street Inn
New England’s largest resource for the homeless, this Boston-based organization runs shelters, job placement training, and street-outreach services.
Wellness in the Schools
This national nonprofit promotes healthy eating, environmental awareness, and fitness in public schools across the country.
World Central Kitchen
Chaired by JBF Award winner José Andrés, this charity works with developing countries to find sustainable solutions, like solar-powered stoves, to food insecurity.
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