The Emeril Lagasse Foundation seeks to inspire, mentor and enable all young people, especially those from disadvantaged circumstances, to realize their full potential as productive and creative individuals. The foundation supports and encourages programs creating developmental and educational opportunities for children within communities where Emeril's restaurants operate.

The Emeril Lagasse Foundation was established in 2002, and is the realization of Chef Emeril's dream to improve the quality of young people’s lives. Continuing its work in the New Orleans and Gulf Coast areas since January 2006, ELF has granted children’s charities with over $1.5 million in funding to assist in improving education, life skills development, hospitality and culinary training and cultural enrichment.