Activist and Former Westport Restaurateur Wins Humanitarian Award from James Beard Foundation

Michel Nischan, who started the Dressing Room restaurant in Westport, which closed its doors a year ago, has been named the 2015 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year for being “a leader in the sustainable food movement” who has helped people in need get more food grown near them.

Here are excerpts from a recent announcement made by the James Beard Foundation:

The James Beard Foundation announced today that Richard Melman, renowned restaurateur, and Michel Nischan, acclaimed leader in the sustainable food movement, have been named the recipients of the 2015 James Beard Foundation Lifetime Achievement award and Humanitarian of the Year award, respectively. [...]

The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to an individual or organization whose work in the realm of food has improved the lives of others and benefited society at large. [...] Nischan will be honored at this year’s James Beard Foundation Awards presented by Lexus, on Monday, May 4, 2015 at Lyric Opera of Chicago. [...]

Nischan is a trailblazer of the sustainable food movement and celebrity chef with over 30 years of experience advocating for a more local and regenerative food system.

The two-time James Beard Foundation Award winner is founder and partner of the former Dressing Room Restaurant with the late actor Paul Newman, co-founder of the Chefs Action Network, and, most notably, founder, president, and CEO of Wholesome Wave.

Nischan and his team at Wholesome Wave have been at the forefront of advocating for a healthful, equitable, and more sustainable food system since the organization’s inception in 2007.

At its core, Wholesome Wave aims to allow people in underserved food areas to make healthier food choices by increasing affordability and access to locally grown food and provides local farm business with increased revenue opportunities.

In 2008 Wholesome Wave piloted the Double Value Coupon Program at 12 markets in three states. Since then the organization has launched numerous initiatives, including the Fruit and Vegetable Prescription Program and Healthy Food Commerce Investments.

As a result of sharing Wholesome Wave program outcomes with key decision makers in states, cities, Congress and at federal agencies, the recently passed Federal Farm Bill includes legislative language supporting the doubling of food stamps used to purchase fruits and vegetables at farm-to-retail outlets.

With Nischan’s efforts, the Wholesome Wave program has become a model for forward-thinking, imaginative solutions that go beyond charity to focus on economic viability.

“I am indescribably humbled to be chosen for this prestigious award, especially given the many culinary leaders who work to make real change happen,” said Nischan.

“The James Beard Foundation continues to strengthen our community, making the world a better place through good food and genuine hospitality. We grow that focus to ensure that people in need have affordable access to wholesome, delicious food. I wholeheartedly agree with James when he said, ‘Food is our common ground.’”

About the foundation’s awards

[Richard Melman, winner of the foundation’s 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award, is founder and chairman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, a Chicago-based corporation that owns over 100 restaurants nationwide.]

The James Beard Foundation Awards Ceremony and Gala Reception will take place at Lyric Opera of Chicago on Monday, May 4, 2015. During the event, which is open to the public, awards for the Restaurant and Chef and Restaurant Design categories will be handed out, along with special achievement awards including Humanitarian of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Who’s Who of Food and Beverage in America, and America’s Classics. A gala reception will immediately follow, featuring top chefs and beverage professionals from across the country.

Established in 1990, the James Beard Awards recognize culinary professionals for excellence and achievement in their fields and further the Foundation’s mission to celebrate, nurture, and honor America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. Each award category has an individual committee made up of industry professionals who volunteer their time to oversee the policies, procedures, and selection of judges for their respective Awards program. All JBF Award winners receive a certificate and a medallion engraved with the James Beard Foundation Awards insignia. There are no cash prizes.

About the James Beard Foundation (JBF)

Founded in 1986, the James Beard Foundation celebrates, nurtures, and honors America’s diverse culinary heritage through programs that educate and inspire. A cookbook author and teacher with an encyclopedic knowledge about food, James Beard, who died in 1985, was a champion of American cuisine. He helped educate and mentor generations of professional chefs and food enthusiasts, instilling in them the value of wholesome, healthful, and delicious food.

For more information, please visit jamesbeard.org.

Photo from the James Beard Foundation website