The 2020 recipients sprang into action during a year of growing food insecurity and the near-collapse of the restaurant industry that led to widespread unemployment during a pandemic. During all of the turmoil they showed their strength and advocated for more resources, a focus on worker safety, a commitment to equity, and supporting small businesses:

• The HEAL (Health, Environment, Agriculture, Labor) Food Alliance brings together food and farm justice groups to address corporate control and racism in our food and farm systems. HEAL is committed to creating systems that are healthy, accessible and affordable for all, and fair to the people who grow, distribute, prepare, and serve food, while protecting the air, water, and land. During the pandemic HEAL is organizing and advocating for resources for Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) producers, and with frontline food workers for safer working conditions.
• James Beard Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to celebrating, nurturing, and honoring chefs and other leaders who make America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable for everyone. During the COVID-19 crisis, the foundation has launched “Open for Good,” a campaign to support the recovery and rebuilding of an independent restaurant industry and is launching a new investment fund for Black and Indigenous-owned businesses impacted by COVID-19.
• World Central Kitchen, a not-for-profit organization that uses the power of food to heal communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization has distributed more than 29 million fresh, nutritious meals to people and communities in need. Its Restaurants for the People program attacks the growing hunger and economic crises on two fronts by paying local restaurants to cook fresh meals for their neighbors in need—at the same time getting food to hungry people and keeping restaurants and their teams open and working.