HEINZ Continues Tradition of Supporting Black-Owned Businesses with New $1 Million Restaurant Initiative – Essence

For generations, HEINZ is a household name in American kitchens, not just for its beloved products, but additionally for its commitment to supporting the culinary community — particularly black cuisine.

This yr, the brand is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Black food businesses by donating an extra $1 million to the Black Kitchen Initiative (BKI), marking its fourth consecutive yr of grants geared toward preserving and elevating the legacy of Black food entrepreneurs across the country.

In cooperation with LEE Initiative AND Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice (SRRJ), HEINZ has committed a complete of $4 million to the cause. These grants should not just financial aid; they’re lifelines for Black-owned restaurants which have long struggled to access capital. A recent report highlighted that 86 percent of black small business owners still have concerns about accessing financial services, and HEINZ goals to handle this disparity with the BKI grant.

Lizzy Goodman, Brand Communications Manager for HEINZ US, expressed the brand’s continued commitment, saying: “With this additional funding, HEINZ will continue to support the long-term success of Black-owned businesses, honoring the entrepreneurial spirit that has defined the brand for over 150 years.”

Grant applications are open until August 31, and chosen firms will each receive $20,000. The selection process, overseen by SRRJ founders and a dedicated committee, will concentrate on applicants’ community involvement and their plans to make use of the grant money to advance business goals.

Cheryl Day, founder of Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice, shared her enthusiasm for the continuing collaboration, saying:

In addition to the grant program, HEINZ has also launched an “Open Kitchen” event series in partnership with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson. This initiative offers Black Kitchen Initiative recipients the possibility to take over restaurant kitchens in major cities like New York and Atlanta, providing emerging black chefs with unparalleled exposure and opportunities.

The HEINZ Black Kitchen Initiative is greater than only a fundraising opportunity—it’s a celebration of Black culinary excellence and an effort to make sure that these essential contributors to American food culture can thrive for generations to come back.