Mission: To celebrate, nurture, and preserve America’s diverse culinary heritage and future. The James Beard Foundation offers a variety of events and programs designed to educate, inspire, entertain, and foster a deeper understanding of American cuisine. 

 

History and Programs: The James Beard Foundation was established in 1986 in honor of James Beard, a cookbook author, television personality, and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food.   Beard was a champion of American cuisine and is widely considered the father of American gastronomy. From the beginning, the James Beard Foundation has been at the forefront of America’s culinary revolution.

 

The Foundation honors the spirit of James Beard by showcasing culinary artists at the historic James Beard House and administering a number of diverse programs. These programs include a national Food Conference, the Leadership Awards, educational initiatives, the James Beard Awards (considered the “Oscars of the food world”), culinary school scholarships, Beard on Books series, and numerous publications in print and online. The Foundation also offers a robust social media community, tastings, lectures, workshops, food-related art exhibits, events for foodies under 30 and educational opportunities for students.