Inspired by the ambition and resilience of young chefs who built their careers through the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley has become the first company serving the foodservice industry to fund an Aarón Sánchez Scholarship with their recent donation. 

The Perfect Purée is a regular sponsor of Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund events and culinary education programs nationwide. Chief Executive Officer Michele Lex decided to invest more directly in future culinary leaders after hearing stories of courage and potential from Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund alumni. “These were young people who were rising — and determined to lift others with them. We wanted to participate in a way that felt meaningful, not just transactional.”

The scholarship, open now until Dec. 30, empowers aspiring young chefs through culinary education, mentorship and industry experience with the goal of diversifying kitchen leadership for future generations. It is more than just financial assistance – it includes full tuition to attend the New Orleans Culinary & Hospitality Institute (NOCHI)  in New Orleans, flights, housing, monthly stipends for food and transportation, and mentoring from Chef Aarón Sánchez and other hospitality industry professionals. Since it was founded in 2016, the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund has awarded 25 culinary arts scholarships valued at $1.6 million.  

Applicants must be: 

• A legal resident of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia, or U.S. territories
• Between 18 and 25 years old as of July 1, 2026
• Have a high school diploma or GED (high school equivalency diploma) as of July 1, 2026
• Have prior culinary education and/or training experience with the ability to prove one or more of the following:
  • Studied in a National Restaurant Association’s ProStart Program
  • Studied in a Careers through Culinary Arts Program (C-CAP)
  • Studied culinary arts in a high school instructional program (not listed above)
  • Studied culinary arts at a community workforce development program
  • Studied culinary arts at a community college or other post-secondary school
  • One year or more of restaurant kitchen or other professional kitchen experience
• Cannot have been convicted of a felony
• Have the ability to use the English language in spoken and written contexts while completing the culinary arts program

“The purpose of the scholarship experience is for young people to be guided and equipped to chase their dreams of being leaders in the culinary field,” said Chef Sánchez. “My dream is to continue growing this beautiful collage of youth from all over who are succeeding in the industry and making their names known to the world through food, and making the world a better place through food.”

Founded by the award-winning chef, TV personality and philanthropist Chef Sánchez, the Impact Fund is a program of Emeril Lagasse Foundation. Its flagship initiative is the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship, which provides full culinary education scholarships, mentorship and career opportunities for aspiring young chefs. 

Now in its 38^th year, The Perfect Purée is the leading U.S. provider of premium fruit purées, zest and blends for culinary professionals. Its founding values of creativity, excellence and community makes its sustaining partnership with the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund a natural fit. Lex says the Aarón Sánchez Scholarship is truly committed to nurturing talent. 

As the program continues to grow under the umbrella of Emeril Lagasse Foundation, Lex sees its impact amplified by the Foundation’s leadership and values. She describes the alignment as a “halo effect” — where humility, service and genuine care permeate everything the Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund does.