The James Beard Foundation Announces Next Chefs Boot Camp

From September 7 through 9, the James Beard Foundation will host the fifth Chefs Boot Camp for Policy & Change in Bentonville, Arkansas. Prominent chefs from all over the country will participate in a three-day program of workshops that will teach policy and advocacy skills for important food system issues like affordability and access.

Workshop sessions will cover topics like an introduction to the public food policy landscape; the importance of chefs' influence in issues of sustainability, hunger, and childhood nutrition; and how to build successful advocacy campaigns.

Participating chefs for the 2014 Chefs Boot Camp include Hugh Acheson, Erika Davis, Dan Kluger, Anthony Lamas, Matt McClure, Ana Sortun, and others. Each session will include classroom work, mock interviews, a collaborative dinner amongst participating chefs, and strategic brainstorming about effective action.

"We look forward to continuing the relationship we forged almost two years ago with Downtown Bentonville Inc. to bring attention to its vibrant food scene, as well as to mutually supporting the innovative work of their local chef community and our Foundation," said Kris Moon, senior director, strategy and development, of the James Beard Foundation.  

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Karen Lo is an associate editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @appleplexy.