Alice Waters Receives 2024 Julia Child Award: A Pioneer in Food and Education

We are thrilled to congratulate ESYP Founder, Alice Waters, on being named the recipient of the 2024 Julia Child Award! This award honors Alice for her profound influence on how America cooks, eats, and thinks about food.

Honoring a Culinary and Educational Visionary

Since 2015, the Julia Child Award—presented annually by the Julia Child Foundation for Gastronomy and the Culinary Arts—recognizes an individual who has made a significant impact on the way we approach food and drink. Alice Waters joins an illustrious group of recipients who share Julia Child’s passion for bringing the joy of food to the world. This award isn’t just about culinary excellence; it’s about creating a cultural shift, and no one embodies that better than Alice.

Alice Waters has long been a force in the culinary world, but her legacy extends far beyond the kitchen. In 1995, she founded The Edible Schoolyard Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming public education and addressing the effects of climate change. For nearly three decades, our program has integrated organic gardening, hands-on cooking, and the art of eating well into school curricula. Alice’s vision is simple yet profound: teaching children to connect with the food they grow and prepare fosters academic learning and instills essential values of nourishment, stewardship, and community.

Revolutionizing How We Learn Through Food

Through her work with ESYP, Alice has pioneered a new kind of experiential education. Students don't just learn math or science in classrooms—they explore these subjects in gardens, kitchens, and cafeterias. Organic school gardens become outdoor classrooms where students can understand everything from biology to environmental stewardship. The kitchen becomes a lab for lessons on nutrition and culture, while the cafeteria serves as a communal space where the act of sharing a meal teaches compassion and connection.

A Lasting Impact

Alice Waters’ contributions through The Edible Schoolyard Project have forever changed the way we think about the role of food in education. The recognition she receives with the 2024 Julia Child Award is not only a celebration of her past achievements but a testament to the enduring importance of her vision. As we look toward the future, Alice’s work continues to shape a world where food is not just something we consume but a vital part of our communities, our schools, and our lives.

Let’s celebrate this milestone and continue supporting the movement Alice started, creating a brighter, healthier future for all!