Known for his exuberant personality and culinary brilliance, legendary New Orleans Chef Emeril Lagasse is combining a large serving of his passion for food with a deep desire to impact young lives and then mixing well. Through the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, established in 2002 by Emeril and his wife Alden, they are giving countless children a beacon of hope and opportunity through culinary, nutrition, and arts education. A cornerstone initiative of the Foundation is Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen.
Planting Seeds
An innovative program designed to enrich the lives of elementary and middle school children by integrating gardening and cooking into the school curriculum, Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen is realizing truly inspired outcomes. “The kids in our program don’t just learn how to cook and grow food, they develop a new appreciation for healthy eating,” said Brian Kish, President of the Lagasse Foundation. “In fact, 95% of teachers report that their students are more open to fresh fruits and vegetables and that this hands-on learning positively impacts academic performance, with 93% noticing improvements in grades.”
“It’s not just about what happens in the classroom. These lessons ripple out into the home: families are cooking together, growing their own food, and creating healthier environments,” Kish said.
The impacts have been felt locally. Kish pointed out, “We’re proud of the work we’ve done in the Greater Houston area, where we’ve supported local schools and organizations through our Community Grants Program,” Kish said.
Growth Through Grants
The Foundation’s Community Grants Program, a vital component of its mission, provides programmatic and capital support to nonprofit organizations, focusing on initiatives supporting youth through culinary, nutrition, and arts education. Since 2013, the Foundation has donated over $550,000 to Houston-based nonprofits, including Kingwood High School, which they supported after Hurricane Harvey, in partnership with the Ingram Lee Foundation. This is only part of the nearly $20 million the Foundation has granted to children’s charities across the nation.
The Foundation continues to expand in both reach and impact, centering all their efforts on maximizing their impact. Programs like the Aaron Sanchez Impact Fund, which supports culinary arts education for Latino youth, further exemplifies the Foundation’s commitment to assess and respond to local needs, address food insecurity and promote sustainability.
The Recipe for Success
These innovative programs and the unwavering commitment to youth education has become a perfect recipe for brighter futures for the rising generation. Their goals for “kicking it up a notch” remain constant.
"We have some exciting plans ahead,” Kish said. “One of our biggest goals is to continue expanding Emeril’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen to more schools, especially in underserved communities. We’re also working on building stronger partnerships with local chefs and organizations to offer more hands-on learning and mentorship opportunities for students. At the same time, we’re evolving our curriculum to include more culturally relevant recipes and sustainability practices, making sure we meet the diverse needs of the communities we serve.”
He added, “We’re looking forward to continuing our impact in the Greater Houston area. We’re especially excited to find a school partner here. Plus, we’re planning a golf tournament in The Woodlands in 2025, so stay tuned for more information early next year!”
The Foundation is also gearing up for Carnivale du Vin, their biggest fundraising event, a black-tie gala and charity wine auction held in New Orleans where Emeril opened his first restaurant. Held this year on November 15-16, the event will bring together world-renowned chefs, food enthusiasts, and supporters to celebrate 20 years of giving back to the community. The funds will all go directly towards supporting the Foundation’s programs.
A Personal Flavor
Emeril Lagasse’s dedication to his Foundation is deeply personal. He often shares stories of his own childhood, growing up in a home where food was a central part of family life. These personal connections fuel the passion for ensuring that every child can learn and grow through the power of food and education. Committed to this hands-on approach, he frequently visits schools and community centers to personally engage with the children, to share his love of cooking, and more importantly, to inspire confidence and a sense of empowerment in young lives.
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation is more than a nonprofit; it’s a movement that is quickly gaining momentum. By nurturing the next generation of healthy, educated chefs, artists, and leaders, everyone benefits. “Bam!” – the Foundation is making that difference.
Since 2013, the Foundation has donated over $550,000 to Houston-based nonprofits, including Kingwood High School, which they supported after Hurricane Harvey, in partnership with the Ingram Lee Foundation