The James Beard Foundation announced that Matt Haley, a southern-Delaware-based chef, restaurateur, world traveler consultant and philanthropist, has been named the recipient of the 2014 James Beard Foundation Humanitarian of the Year Award.
This ward is given to an individual or organization whose work in the realm of food has improved the lives of others and benefited society at large, the organization stated. Haley will be honored at this year’s James Beard Awards in May.
“I am incredibly grateful to the James Beard Foundation for this award. It is an honor and a privilege,” Haley said. “On behalf of the state of Delaware, the Matt Haley Companies and all of our community members both in and out of the food and beverage business, we say thank you.”
Haley’s business story is well known in Delaware; his philanthropic journey less so. Recovering in a rehabilitation facility in his early 30s from drug and alcohol abuse, Haley learned to cook as a vocational skill. When released, he worked his way up through several restaurants and eventually land a management position at a friend’s business in Rehoboth Beach
He opened his own eatery, Bluecoast Seafood Grill, in 2001. Over the next decade, Haley opened six more restaurants in Delaware resort towns – Fish On, Lupo di Mare, Matt’s Fish Camp, Northeast Seafood Kitchen, Catch 54, and Papa Grande’s. The restaurants have prospered in a sometimes difficult market with seasonal ups and downs.
Haley’s charitable inspiration began while serving as a guest chef at a fund raiser in Atlanta, Georgia for disadvantaged Nepali youth. After hearing the story of a Nepali child in need of an education, Haley decided to fund schooling for the child and her sister on the spot. Maintaining the relationship with the children over the years, he also expanded his work within the Nepal community to include building schools, providing education for orphans, and aiding efforts to develop economic stimulus programs in the region, such as the creation of a coffee farm to encourage sustainability.
Additionally, Haley has privately funded disabled women in the country to attend culinary school. In 2011, Haley founded the Global Delaware Fund to provide goods and services to at-risk children and children in challenging circumstances, both in Delaware and globally.
Haley has partnered with local government leaders including Delaware Gov. Jack Markell’s committee for early learning initiatives, as well as Delaware Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee to bring agriculture and nutrition to Delaware’s cities through urban gardens, markets and education programs.
He is currently working with the Delaware Restaurant Association and Delaware Department of Corrections Commissioner Robert Coupe to develop a program that teaches culinary skills to those in prison. In addition to dedicating his time to various philanthropic organizations, Haley has tied his businesses to charitable efforts.
