For generations, HEINZ has been a familiar sight in American kitchens, not only because of its popular products, but also because of its commitment to supporting the culinary community – particularly Black kitchens.

This year, the brand is reaffirming its commitment to supporting Black food entrepreneurs by donating an additional $1 million to the Black Kitchen Initiative (BKI), the fourth consecutive year of grants to preserve and elevate the legacy of Black food entrepreneurs across the country.

In partnership with the LEE Initiative and Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice (SRRJ), HEINZ has now committed a total of $4 million to this cause. These grants are not just financial help; they are a lifeline for Black restaurants that have long struggled to access capital. A recent report highlighted that 86 percent of Black small business owners remain concerned about access to financing—an inequality that HEINZ aims to address with its BKI grants.

Lizzy Goodman, Brand Communications Manager at HEINZ US, emphasized the brand’s ongoing commitment, stating: “The Black Kitchen Initiative grants are a milestone for us every year, not only because we recognize the importance of Black-owned food businesses in the American culinary world, but also because entrepreneurship has been one of the core values ​​of our brand DNA since day one.” With this additional funding, HEINZ continues to support the long-term success of Black-owned businesses and recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit that has characterized the brand for over 150 years.

Applications for the grants are open until August 31st, and selected companies will receive $20,000 each. The selection process, overseen by SRRJ’s founders and a dedicated committee, focuses on applicants’ community involvement and their plans to use the grant money to further their business goals.

Cheryl Day, founder of Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice, expressed her excitement about the ongoing partnership, saying: “We are grateful to Heinz for allowing us to support traditional chefs, bakers and restaurants for the fourth year and continue to lift up communities across the country.”

In addition to the scholarship program, HEINZ has also launched the Open Kitchen event series in collaboration with renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson. This initiative offers Black Kitchen Initiative scholarship recipients the opportunity to take over restaurant kitchens in major cities like New York and Atlanta, providing unprecedented exposure and opportunities for aspiring black chefs.

HEINZ’s Black Kitchen Initiative is more than just a funding opportunity – it is a celebration of Black culinary excellence and an effort to ensure that these important contributions to American food culture can continue to flourish for generations to come.