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.

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.

This program 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 systems, policies, challenges, and opportunities facing the food systems, policies, challenges, and opportunities facing the food system.

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.

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

The 2025 Spring Chef Bootcamp will be held May 12-14 at Carnation Farms in Carnation, Washington.

Apply here

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