Emeril Lagasse Foundation gives $500,000 to nonprofits to support COVID-19 relief efforts

A world renown chef is helping organizations in our area impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation announced Thursday it is giving $500,000 in grants to nonprofit groups in Louisiana, Nevada, and Florida. The foundation also says it will grant immediate funding, as well as long-term support, to youth programs and families of hospitality industry workers.

“The need to support the youth in our community is a priority of Alden and I through the work of our Foundation. The need is more overwhelming than ever,” Emeril Lagasse said. “We are committed to our mission of helping disadvantaged youth during this extraordinary time.”

The most recent round of rapid response grants, totaling $150,000, is helping organizations such as Second Harvest Food Bank of Greater New Orleans and Acadiana, Covenant House, Cafe Reconcile, Cafe Hope, Liberty's Kitchen, Youth Empowerment Project, and Three Square Food Bank of Las Vegas.

Representatives of the Emeril Lagasse Foundation say when the coronavirus pandemic started, they were able to raise more than $150,000 for nonprofits in Walton and Okaloosa Counties and awarded another $150,000 in grants to Greater Ft. Lauderdale/Miami Dade nonprofits.

They say the foundation is also collaborating with Emeril's Homebase to provide weekly meals to youth in the community, as well as to Emeril's restaurant team and family.

Representatives say with the expectation that the need for support will continue to grow, the foundation's board of directors allocated $125,000 in grant money to support local hospitality industry workers. This second round of money will be distributed in the fall.