“The people who give you their food give you their heart.” (Cesar Chavez)

Never underestimate the impact an individual can make on the lives and careers of others. That’s the spirit behind our Community Impact Awards. This program is dedicated to celebrating the unsung heroes who lend their voice, support, influence, and passion to make forward-leaning and lasting impacts on the Lowcountry’s diverse culinary + hospitality community, while paying it forward to raise up future generations. 

Annually, Charleston Wine + Food will bestow a Community Impact Award upon a select few, who, nominated by their peers, display unwavering dedication to and leadership of the people, artistry, generosity and perseverance that define our community and industry. These individuals will be celebrated at our Community Impact Awards powered by REV Federal Credit Union’s #UpTheGood Foundation which aims to raise funds beyond the festival to provide mentorship, resources, and opportunities that help shape the future of the Lowcountry region. Through education and mentorship programs within local school districts and post-secondary institutions, CHSWF is building a resilient and inspired community of culinary and hospitality professionals who are prepared to lead with innovation and compassion.

Culinary + Hospitality Investment Fund enables our organization to provide the essential operational support required to advance the mission of celebrating the diverse food + beverage community of the greater Charleston area on a national stage and to create programs that build a sustainable, vibrant and connected culinary + hospitality community. Support for this fund fuels one of our priority initiatives, the Charleston Wine + Food High School Scholars Program, a work-based learning program, students will receive hands-on training and exposure to the industry through in-classroom mentorship, enhanced classroom learning experiences led by chefs and industry professionals, and a week-long paid externship experience. This program has flourished over the past three years and now serves two school districts, nine high schools, and reaches over one thousand students. Specifically we have seen demand for externship component of  the program grow by 500% from year one. 

This is where you come in. In conjunction with our Awards Luncheon, we need your help to raise $50,000 to give 100 students the opportunity to participate in a paid externship program at the 2025 Festival. This externship program compliments in-classroom learning with real-life experiences gained by working in the industry under the direction of professionals and with some of the country’s best culinary talent. These students learn job-ready skills, create relationships to build their own networks, and earn hours towards certification programs like ProStart. Your participation can make a lasting impact on the life of a young student and also our culinary + hospitality community. Join us as we build + inspire the next generation of hospitality professionals to go into our industry. Together we can build a resilient community through real impact and volunteerism.