Food & Society at the Aspen Institute today announced that Chefs José Andrés, Lidia Bastianich, and Eric Ripert have each established a Named Fellowship within the Food Leaders Fellowship, committing philanthropic support that will name five fellows each over the next five years. Simultaneously, the program announces its fifth cohort of fellows, selected from more than 400 applicants across North America.
The Food Leaders Fellowship is an 18-month immersive leadership program that connects emerging food system changemakers with the knowledge, networks, and resources to drive lasting impact. Fellows are selected from across the food system including community organizers, food policy advocates, farmers, culinary entrepreneurs, and researchers. They are supported through in-person seminars, expert mentorship, and a growing partnership with the Global Food Institute at George Washington University.
The three Named Benefactor Fellowships are:
The Chef José Andrés Food Leaders Fellow
The Lidia Bastianich Food Leaders Fellow
The Chef Eric Ripert Food Leaders Fellow
“Food can change the world—but lasting change comes from investing in people. The leaders shaping food systems and strengthening their communities every day. That’s why I’m proud to support the Food Leaders Fellowship.”
— Chef José Andrés, Named Benefactor, Food Leaders Fellowship
“A legacy is not a building with your name on it; it is the people whose lives you’ve touched. I am delighted to share all I have accumulated with this fellowship.”
— Chef Lidia Bastianich, Named Benefactor, Food Leaders Fellowship
“People who are fighting in the best food system are very important today. We need fighters. That’s who I’m looking for; someone who’s fighting for a better future with the food.”
— Chef Eric Ripert, Named Benefactor, Food Leaders Fellowship
“Three of the people we most admire: José Andrés, who uses food to heal, rescue, and unite people all over the world; Eric Ripert, the anti-authoritarian chef who has made kitchens and the restaurant world better and more humane places to work; and the wonderful, lovable, super-pragmatic, get-it-done Lidia Bastianich,” said Corby Kummer, executive director of Food & Society. “We are honored to carry their names into communities across North America.”
Named fellowships and philanthropic partnerships are what allow the Food Leaders Fellowship to deepen and extend its impact. The Longer Tables Fund, established by Andrés’ to build a more generous and inclusive food world, makes it possible for Food & Society to bring together past cohorts for annual alumni reunions, sustaining the community and peer relationships that outlast the 18-month program itself. The partnership with Global Food Institute provides fellows with direct access to faculty expertise and research collaboration, supporting the development of their action plans and connecting academic knowledge to on-the-ground practice. Together, these investments reflect what the Named Benefactor Program was built to do: ensure that every fellow has not just a title, but a network, a platform, and the resources to make their work real.
About the Food Leaders Fellowship
The Food Leaders Fellowship is a program of Food & Society at the Aspen Institute. Now in its fifth cohort, the fellowship selects emerging leaders from across North America’s food system for an intensive 18-month program that combines in-person seminars, peer community, mentorship, and action plan development. The fellowship’s partnership with the GW Global Food Institute connects fellows with academic expertise and research collaboration. Learn more at www.FoodLeadersFellowship.org.
About Food & Society at the Aspen Institute
Food & Society works to build a food system that nourishes all people, supports farmers and food workers, and strengthens communities. Through convenings, leadership development, and policy programs, Food & Society connects leaders across sectors to advance a more just and resilient food future. More: www.AspenFood.org
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