M.F.K. Fisher Prize

LDEI M.F.K. Fisher Prize is Open for Entries

Welcome to the home of the LDEI M.F.K. Fisher Prize.

Here you’ll find information about entering your nonfiction work in any format published or produced in the calendar year of 2021. Entries will be accepted January 15, 2022 until midnight March 31, 2022.

What 

The LDEI M.F.K. Fisher Prize recognizes outstanding works by women creators, in any media format, that have made important contributions to the understanding of the intersection of food, beverage and culture.

It is established by Les Dames d’Escoffier International (LDEI), a global professional association of women leaders in food, beverage, and hospitality, in honor of renowned culinary writer M.F.K. Fisher whose trailblazing work encouraged deeper thought about the cultural significance of foodways.

Why

LDEI supports the exploration of past and present foodways as fundamental to insightful and impactful leadership and growth. Public recognition of these compelling works generates opportunity, connection, and advancement for women creators. 

Prizes

Three top prizes–First ($3,000), Second ($2,000), and Third ($1,000) will be awarded. The entries will be evaluated by a panel of distinguished independent judges with diverse backgrounds invited by the LDEI M.F.K. Fisher Prize committee. Five additional works of distinction will also be recognized. Winners will be announced by September 15, 2022.

Entry

Original nonfiction works published or aired in English or translated into English in the calendar year of 2021 in any media format including book, print, electronic, radio, podcast, television, and video are eligible for entry.

Creator of the work must be a woman of at least 21 years of age. Members of LDEI and non-members are eligible to enter.

Subject matter may include any area that explores the intersection of food, beverage and culture such as, but not limited to, home cooking, travel, restaurants, memoir, biography, beverages, hospitality, arts of the table, agriculture, and culinary history.

The works will be evaluated for voice, impactful cultural insight and contribution, and overall excellence. Works produced by LDEI members and non-members are eligible for entry. 

Entries will be accepted January 15, 2022 through midnight EST March 31, 2022. Each entry must be electronically submitted with a $75 non-returnable handling fee (early bird fee of $50 for entries submitted by midnight EST February 1, 2022).

Submissions and payment will be accepted on the LDEI website only.

Click here for Entry Form.

For more information about the LDEI Legacy Awards Program, contact us at contact@ldeisd.org