Emeril Lagasse Charity Work, Events and Causes

Lagasse started the Emeril Lagasse Foundation in 2002 to help disadvantaged youths.

Renowned chef, restaurateur and television personality Emeril Lagasse might be best known for his Food Network cooking shows (and his catchphrase, “BAM!”), but he’s also a dedicated philanthropist. Since its 2002 inception, the Emeril Lagasse Foundation has distributed $6 million in grants to children’s charities working to create opportunity for young people — particularly those from disadvantaged circumstances — to realize their full potential. Projects funded by the foundation have included an accessible learning kitchen for students with special needs, hospitality training for at-risk youth, and outdoor classrooms and gardens for multiple schools in New Orleans. Thanks to his personal contributions and work through his foundation, Emeril was named the James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year in 2013.