The James Beard Foundation advocates for policies that make a more equitable and sustainable food system for all involved in the independent restaurant industry across four pillars: U.S. Food Culture, Equity, Sustainability, and Industry Culture and Practices.
Photo: Noh Leftovers
U.S. Food Culture
Ensure that the US has a thriving food culture that respects heritage and embraces innovation. All food ways are honored and celebrated, and consumers value the cultural contribution of independent restaurants.
Equity
Access for leadership opportunities, visibility, financial stability, and capital in the independent restaurant industry.
Sustainability
Independent restaurants contribute to climate change mitigation through practices that are environmentally better for the food system – healthy soil, clean oceans, sustainable fisheries, and plant forward menus.
Industry Culture and Practice
All involved in the independent restaurant supply chain live economically resilient lives, with working conditions that prioritize safety and career progression, access to healthcare, mental health care, and healthy and nutritious food. Champion business models that allow owners and operators to create equitable work environments that are financially successful.
Policy Agenda
We advocate for policies that make a more equitable and sustainable food system for the independent restaurant industry.
Policy Advocacy
We support 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.
Campaigns
The Climate Solutions for Restaurant Survival campaign is dedicated to tackling the significant impact of climate change on independent restaurants, chefs, and the local economies they support.
JBF Industry Network
As a member of the independent restaurant industry, you are part of the JBF Industry Network, and we’d love to learn more about you.
Please take a moment to fill out this questionnaire—it will help us understand your location, the issues that matter to you, and the types of programs you’d like to engage with, so we can better tailor our efforts to your interests
