NEW ORLEANS – Emeril Lagasse Foundation announced the distribution of more than $725,000 to nonprofits throughout the region, including five New Orleans-based organizations. Other areas to receive support include Florida’s Emerald Coast, South Florida and Texas. The grants will support projects and initiatives aligned with the foundation’s mission of creating opportunities to inspire, mentor and enable youth to reach their fullest potential through culinary, nutrition and arts education, reps said.
“My wife Alden and I are thrilled to see the foundation’s spring grants go toward such inspiring and deserving organizations,” said Chef Emeril Lagasse. “We’re continuously amazed at the growing amount of funds we’ve been able to put back into our local community over the years, and are so thankful for the support of our dedicated board, donors and community partners who make it all possible.”
New Orleans grantees include:
• Broad Community Connections – To support its ReFresh Project Kids Programming, which will educate approximately 120 low-income neighborhood youth ages 8-12 on gardening, nutrition, cooking and food justice. Programming is designed to increase leadership skills and self-confidence while fostering a sense of community.
• Einstein Charter School – To support its High School Culinary Arts program by providing textbooks, gardening supplies and chef uniforms for food and nutrition courses. Einstein Charter High School opened in 2016 and operates a tuition-free open admissions network with the overarching goal of preparing students to live a life of purpose.
• Louisiana Restaurant Association’s Education Fund – To benefit ProStart programs throughout the state. The two-year program is the leading culinary and hospitality certification program for high school students that utilizes an industry-based curriculum specializing in employment readiness.
• Second Harvest Food Bank – To continue supporting its Summer Feeding, Kids Café and School Pantry programs. Addressing the lack of food available to New Orleans and Acadiana schoolchildren during the summer, the programs will reach 5,000 children at risk of hunger this year. In 2016, the Foundation reached the milestone of delivering its 1 millionth meal provided through Second Harvest’s Summer Feeding program.
• George Rodrigue Foundation of the Arts – To support its art education programs for youth. Combining education and art, GRFA encourages the incorporation of art within all curriculums to spark creativity and support life skills development.
“We’re honored to support so many organizations dedicated to the betterment of our youth as the foundation’s footprint continues to grow, and couldn’t be prouder to see those funds invested right back into our city,” said Brian Kish, president of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation.
