America The Bountiful has been nominated for the 2025 James Beard Foundation (JBF) Broadcast Media Award in Travel Visual Media. The mission of the James Beard Awards® “is to recognize exceptional talent and achievement in the culinary arts, hospitality, media, and broader food system, as well as a demonstrated commitment to equity, community, sustainability, and a culture where all can thrive.”

Past nominees in the Broadcast Media category include CBS Sunday Morning, Top Chef, and Lidia’s Kitchen. According to the JBF, the Travel Visual Media category celebrates excellence in food- or beverage-focused travel shows. Entries “showcase the unique culinary culture and traditions of a specific region or country, highlighting the connection between people, food, regions, and communities.” 

America The Bountiful, airing on public television stations nationwide (check local listings), is presented nationally by Chicago public television station WTTW and distributed by American Public Television, highlights the vibrant yet widely untold food stories of the farmers, chefs, and artisans that help to shape what Americans eat and make this country bountiful. The program, now in its second season, earned four 2025 Taste Award nominations for its inaugural season including Best Food Program-Television, Best Travel Program and Best New Series. 

Capri S. Cafaro is the creator, executive producer and host of America The Bountiful. Cafaro’s vision for the series dates back almost a decade and was initially inspired by the cultural, agricultural and culinary stories Cafaro embraced in her home state of Ohio. 

Cafaro is also the host of the Taste Award nominated podcast and SiriusXM Radio show, Eat Your Heartland Out as well as the author of the critically acclaimed cookbook United We Eat (Story Farm Press, 2020). 

Jesse Roesler is the program’s co-creator, executive producer and director. Roesler, a three- times James Beard Award winner, was fundamental to the development of the series format and structure. He is the founder and executive creative director of Credo Nonfiction. This is Roesler’s fourth James Beard nomination. 

Award winners will be announced on Saturday, June 14 at a ceremony at Columbia College Chicago Student Center, followed by a reception featuring Chicago chefs representing the city’s rich culinary scene.