The Chef Action Network (CAN) is a non-profit organization 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.

 

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. 

 

The James Beard Foundation, in partnership with CAN, conducts two learning opportunities each year called The 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.

 

Once chefs complete a session, they are provided with a suite of services unique to the Network. CAN becomes their personal and professional partner in advocacy, research, training, awareness, and direct action. Chefs are full of passion but short on time. The Chef Action Network provides preeminent chefs with the guidance, skills, and tools to effectively drive change. 

 

CAN's vision is to develop a national network of influential chefs and restauranteurs committed to driving change. The organization hopes to credibly connect chefs to information and organizations focused on critical issues, and work with chefs to maximize the impacts of their newly found voices & advocacy efforts. CAN will support chefs in creating and taking leadership role in the local and national initiatives they care about