Our Mission

The Chef Action Network (CAN) was founded in 2015 by Chef Michel Nischan and Eric Kessler of Arabella Philanthropic Advisors. The founding executive director was Katherine Miller. Founding board members included Chefs Maria Hines, Andrea Reusing and Hari Pulapaka. CAN is now a project of the James Beard Foundation that gives back to the chefs who cook from their souls, donate their time and talent, and help us better understand the many complex issues related to food.

The Chef Action Network (CAN) 

From food sustainability to social justice, chefs are eager to exercise solid leadership within the many food-related conversations of today. Their influence on business, the economy, various forms of media, and their countless communities is enormous. Their inherent leadership style is striking in a world that cries out for greater leadership and authenticity.

It is the intention of CAN to effectively help these talented, passionate chefs tap into their inner advocate, and provide the tools, training, and support infrastructure to ensure their success. 

First Steps

The James Beard Foundation conducts multiple advocacy training opportunities including the signature Chefs Boot Camp for Policy & Change. At Boot Camp, the chefs build new networks, share their vision for food sustainability and leave eager for a next step. Chefs who have participated to date, many of whom include James Beard Award Winners and appear on numerous popular food television programs, set out inspired to get down to the business of making change. These participating chefs become core members of CAN.

CAN’s Vision

Develop a national network of influential chefs and restauranteurs committed to driving change

Credibly connect chefs to information and organizations focused on critical issues

Work with chefs to maximize the impacts of their newly found voices & advocacy efforts

Support chefs in creating and taking leadership role in the local and national initiatives they care about