Alexis Nikole Nelson has built a following of millions, but how? For her, the recipe is simple — by being authentic and giving users a front-row seat to the world of foraging.

The American foodscape has proven to be a fruitful industry full of opportunities for Black and brown entrepreneurs. To celebrate the country’s forward-thinking food leaders, the James Beard Foundation — a nonprofit that acknowledges, nurtures, and honors chefs and other leaders in American food culture — has launched a new grant initiative to help provide financial resources for Black and indigenous-owned food or beverage businesses impacted by COVID-19. View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Beard Foundation (@beardfoundation) According to Black Enterprise , the James Beard Foundation Food and Beverage Investment Fund will offer grant funds to several businesses across the country. In partnership with their Open For Good campaign, which launched back in April, the foundation’s latest initiative is working to “rebuild an independent restaurant industry that is stronger, more equitable, more sustainable, and more resilient post-pandemic,” according to their blog . “The...