The Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2016 by chef Jacques Pépin, his daughter Claudine Pépin, and his son-in-law Rollie Wesen. Building on Jacques’ lifelong commitment to culinary education, the foundation’s primary mission is to support free culinary and life skills training for individuals who face significant barriers to employment, such as previous incarceration, homelessness, or substance abuse issues.
Community Kitchen Support
The heart of the JPF is its grant program. It provides funding, equipment, and curricular materials to “Community Kitchens”—non-profits that offer job training in the food service industry.
Grant Impact: Since 2019, the JPF has awarded over $1.8 million to more than 80 organizations nationwide.
Target Population: Programs specifically help those “detached from the workforce,” providing them with the confidence and technical skills needed to find stable employment and independence.
2. The JPF Membership & Video Library
The foundation has turned Jacques’ teaching legacy into a sustainable fundraising model. By becoming a member, supporters gain access to the “Cook with Jacques Pépin & Friends” Video Recipe Book.
Exclusive Content: A digital library of hundreds of videos featuring Jacques and other celebrity chefs (like José Andrés and Andrew Zimmern).
Community Focus: Membership fees directly fund the grants given to community kitchens, allowing home cooks to support professional training for others while improving their own skills.
3. “90 for 90” Celebration
To celebrate Jacques Pépin’s 90th birthday (December 2025), the foundation launched its largest initiative yet: the 90/90 Dinner Series.
The goal is to host 90 ticketed dinner parties across the country in partnership with top chefs and restaurants to solidify the foundation’s future and expand its reach into new communities.
Why It Matters
Jacques Pépin famously said, “We are all equal in the eyes of the stove.” The foundation operates on the belief that culinary training is a “high-impact” intervention. A relatively short period of vocational training can:
Reduce Food Waste: By teaching efficient technique and “budget cooking.”
Improve Health: By fostering a deeper understanding of the food system.
Build Economic Stability: By opening doors to a professional industry that values skill and hard work over past history.
