The
James Beard Foundation is a
New York City-based national non-profit
culinary arts organization named in honor of
James Beard, a prolific food writer, teacher, and cookbook author, who was also known as the "Dean of American Cookery." The Foundation's mission is to celebrate, nurture, and honor America's diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. The programs run the gamut from elegant guest-chef dinners to scholarships for aspiring culinary students, educational conferences, and industry awards. In the spirit of James Beard's legacy, the Foundation not only creates programs that help educate people about American cuisine, but also support and promote the chefs and other industry professionals who are behind it.