Emeril Lagasse Foundation
Inspire. Mentor. Enable Our Future.
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation was established in 2002, as the realization of Chef Emeril’s dream to improve the quality of young people’s lives. Continuing its work in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas, ELF has granted children’s charities over $2 million in funding to assist in improving education, life skills development, hospitality and culinary training and cultural enrichment.
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation has donated capital funds to develop the following models for excellence in culinary arts enrichment and education:
- Café Reconcile – Emeril Lagasse Foundation Culinary Learning Center
- St. Michael Special School - Life Skills Academic Lab and Kitchen
- Edible Schoolyard at Green Charter School - Outdoor Classroom
- Lynn Meadows Discovery Center – WINGS Performing Arts Center.
- New Orleans Center for Creative Arts (NOCCA) - High School Culinary Arts Curriculum
Mission
The Emeril Lagasse Foundation seeks to inspire, mentor and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive and creative individuals. The foundation supports and encourages programs creating developmental and educational opportunities for children within communities where Emeril’s restaurants operate.
