“We are all equal in the eyes go the stove.”

JACQUES PÉPIN

Jacques Pépin: Creating and Giving Back

The Jacques Pépin Foundation LogoA portion of all sales of Jacques’ artwork goes directly to the Jacques Pépin Foundation, advancing Jacques’s love of culinary arts and education and supports the teaching of culinary skills through various channels to many communities.

style=”margin-top: 1em;”>The Jacques Pépin Foundation (JPF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 2016 by legendary 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.

Key Ways Jacques Contributes

< class= "category-text">Grants and Funding: By the end of 2025, the foundation is projected to have disbursed approximately $2 million to over 100 culinary training programs across the United States. These grants often range from $5,000 to $25,000 and can be used for anything from equipment to student support services like transportation and childcare.
Educational Resources: Pépin provides the foundation with his vast library of culinary content. This includes access to instructional videos, technique-oriented curricula, and cookbooks to help community kitchens teach professional skills.

The “90/90” Dinner Series: To celebrate his 90th birthday in 2025, Pépin launched an initiative featuring 90 ticketed dinners nationwide. These events unite chefs and restaurants to raise money specifically for the foundation’s mission.
Art for a Cause: An accomplished artist, Pépin donates a portion of the proceeds from his artwork—including his signature “chicken” paintings and posters—directly to the foundation and other organizations like Wholesome Wave.
Supporting Food Access: Beyond his own foundation, he supports Wholesome Wave, a nonprofit that works to make fresh, locally grown produce affordable for low-income families and underserved communities.