COVID-19 Resources
Listed below are national and city/state resources available to restaurant workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
National Direct Financial Assistance
AFL-CIO Federal and State Resources for Workers
Find unemployment insurance benefit resources and related information for workers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
US Bartender Guild – COVID-19 State-by-State
State-by-state resources for workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
Another Round, Another Rally Fund
We’re offering $500 relief grants for hospitality workers who lost their jobs or had their hours slashed in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. We’re also collecting donations from community members willing to help their hospitality-industry friends and neighbors stay afloat in this time of uncertainty. To apply for a grant or make a donation, use the links below.
Lift Your Spirits Fund
Make a video in which you mix your favorite drink, say a toast to those affected in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry, and post it to your social media accounts using #LiftYourSpirits. The last step is to challenge your friends to do the same and to send a gift to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) that turns a tip into a donation for restaurant, foodservice and hospitality workers impacted by the COVID-19 crisis!
USBG Emergency Fund
Bartender emergency assistance program available to all bartenders or the spouse or child of a bartender.
Note: Acceptance of new COVID-19 applications have been being suspended as of June 15, 2020 due to decrease in application volume and drawdown of funding.
If you are experiencing a temporary, emergent, financial hardship due to unforeseen and/or catastrophic life events that are not related to COVID-19, please continue to the BEAP application after reading through the eligibility requirements.
RWCF Crisis Relief Fund
A crisis relief fund to direct money to organizations leading on-the-ground efforts in the restaurant community, to provide zero-interest loans to businesses to maintain payroll during closure or re-open once this crisis has passed, and to establish a relief fund for individual workers facing economic hardships or health crises as a direct result of COVID-19.
OFW Emergency Fund
Providing free, cash assistance to restaurant workers, delivery drivers and other tipped workers and service workers — who are seeing their income decline during this disaster, or aren’t able to work because of quarantines or other health concerns.
CORE Gives
CORE grants support to children of food and beverage service employees navigating life-altering circumstances.
Rent Assistance
RentAssistance provides a directory of rental assistance agencies and organizations that will help you pay your rent. Some listings are government organizations other are non-profits and charities that offer rental assistance programs.
#SaveRestaurants Initiative
Note: The initiative is preparing for a new phase. Please DM them on Instagram for more information.
Go Tip ‘Em!
Virtually tip your favorite bartender to help support them during these hard times.
SOBEWFF® & FIU Chaplin School Hospitality Industry Relief Fund
Coming Soon: Providing immediate financial support to independently owned and operated restaurants, hotel restaurants, bars and caterers in Miami-Dade County impacted by the COVID-19.
CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19: IMMIGRANT RESPONSE FUNDS
COVID-19 information and resources for immigrants and refugees.
Southern Smoke Foundation Emergency Relief Fund
Southern Smoke Foundation provides funding to individuals in the food and beverage industry who are in crisis.
The Lee Initiative Projects
The Lee Initiative has many projects, including Restaurant Reboot Relief Program, Restaurant Workers Relief Program, Help Sophia, Women Chefs Program, to help restaurant workers and restaurants. Go to https://leeinitiative.org/relief/ to find local resources and relief near you.
CORE Gives
CORE Gives is a nationwide organization seeking to help restaurant workers with children by supplying them with food. The site also provides a resource center for financial aid.
Hospitality Link
Hospitality Link is providing a free job matching resource for hospitality employees looking for work. In a win-win move, the site lists roles in grocery stores, which are stretched thin under the current demands and in need of help from trained hospitality pros. JobGet is another app that helps hospitality workers find and apply for new jobs instantly.
National Resources for Restaurant Workers
An organized list of resources and tips, covering everything from where to get tested to where to seek financial assistance.
Gig Workers Collective
Links and contact information for gig workers like servers and bartenders to gain access to financial aid, rent assistance, food, medical care and more.
National Organizing & Support
Stop The Spread Petition
Petition demanding all food chains in America to adopt a paid sick leave measure in this time of health crisis at hand.
Save America’s Restaurants Petition
Petition imploring government leaders to engage with local industry leaders and restaurant associations immediately to come to a swift plan for how they can meaningfully give your local restaurants the best chance for survival.
Bar Magic Hospitality Relief
A portal of help and support to the culinary, foodservice, and hospitality industries. More than 500 resource links are live! More added every day.
Guide to Coronavirus for Cancer Patients
Older adults with cancer and chronic illness have the highest risk for developing severe complications from COVID-19. Knowing how to prepare and protect yourself against the virus could make all the difference for you and your family.
IHOP & Applebee's
IHOP & Applebee’s Paid Sick Days Petition
Petition demanding that workers at Applebee’s deserve paid sick days, especially with the rapid spreading of the coronavirus.
Email Applebee’s
Tens of thousands of Applebee’s and IHOP workers around the country face financial ruin in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and response. Demand that Applebee’s expand their paid sick leave to all their workers.
Applebee’s Emergency Support FB Group
IHOP Emergency Support FB Group
Denny's
Denny’s Paid Sick Days Petition
Petition demanding that workers at Denny’s deserve paid sick days, especially with the rapid spreading of the coronavirus.
Denny’s Emergency Support FB Group
Chili's
Chili’s Emergency Support FB Group
Chili’s Paid Sick Days Petition
Petition demanding that workers at Chili’s deserve paid sick days, especially with the rapid spreading of the coronavirus.
Chili’s Virtual Tip Jar Application
Chili’s Virtual Tip Jar Viewing Page
National Small Business Resources
How to Apply for the Coronavirus Business Loan
Small business owners looking for financial aid and relief due to the economic effects of the current coronavirus outbreak may want to apply for a business loan through the Small Business Administration’s loan program.
City & State Quick Links
City & State Organizing & Support
Arizona
La Cocina free meals in Tucson, AZ
La Cocina in Tucson is offering free meals to laid off hospitality workers between 2 p.m and 3 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Email info@lacocinatucson.com if you have any questions.
Alabama
Montgomery MGM Workers GoFundMe
An MGM Service Workers COVID-19 Relief Fund to provide direct cash assistance to service workers in the area.
California
Los Angeles GoFundMe
Off the Menu wants to support our local small business restaurant partners and we are raising money to donate to them during this difficult time. All funds will go toward helping restaurants pay their employees wages. All money donated will be split evenly amongst the restaurants. No contribution is too small.
COVID-19 Unemployment and Paid Family Leave
Unemployment and paid family leave resources for California workers.
LA Food Bank Finder
A tool to help locate food banks near you in the Los Angeles area.
San Francisco-Marin Food Bank Finder
A tool to help locate food banks near you in the San Francisco-Marin area.
Bay Area Comprehensive List by ACCRE
COVID-19 Resource List Initiated by Asian Americans for Civil Rights and Equality (AACRE) – Bay Area, CA focused.
Use this aggregator to find what restaurants in the San Francisco area are open for take-out, curbside pick-up, or delivery during the lockdown of San Francisco’s restaurants and bars during COVID-19.
List of general resources for those who live in the Bay Area.
A list of mutual aid funds that distribute emergency grants to artists, creative professionals and freelancers facing financial hardships.
Governor’s Office Resources for CA
General resources for COVID-19 provided by the Governor’s Office.
Colorado
Angel Relief Fund
The Angel Relief Fund is focusing its charitable efforts on hospitality workers who have been diagnosed with COVID-19, are quarantined, or have been out of work for more than a month. If you meet the criteria and reside in Colorado, apply for financial aid here.
Operation Family Meal
Offering both free meals and mental health services for hospitality employees affected by COVID-19, Operation Family Meal is accessible Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at locations throughout Denver. The organization comes from not-for-profit CHOW, Khesed Wellness and several restaurant partners, including Hinman’s Bakery, Il Posto and American Elm.
Washington DC
DMV RESTAURANT WORKER RESOURCE GUIDE
DC Virtual Tip Jar
A virtual tip jar for restaurant workers that goes directly to the worker. Fill out if you are a restaurant worker.
Free Meals at DCPS
The District will provide meals to students on weekdays from Monday, March 16, through Tuesday, March 31, from 10 am – 2 pm.
DC approved expanded unemployment insurance.
Expanded unemployment insurance for DC workers.
DMV Service Industry Support Group
This group is a dedicated space for service industry workers to: vent, share resources/information, share stories and seek/provide community support. We know that service industry workers are suffering with cut shifts & hours, layoffs, accessing paid sick leave — all while being at the frontlines of the current pandemic.
DC Food Banks!
Food banks for people who live in DC.
Silver Diner at Rio and Real Food for Kids kicked off Chefs Feeding Families, a program to help feed needy families. Click here for more information on curbside delivered meals every weekday.
Beer hall Hook Hall has teamed up with Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington to create Hook Hall Helps, which puts together care packages of pivotal essentials (e.g. groceries, household supplies) and industry family meals for restaurant workers. Click here for the full schedule and for information on applying for unemployment benefits.
Delaware
Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP)
Restaurants can apply for financial assistance with Delaware’s newly implemented Hospitality Emergency Loan Program (HELP), which provides no-interest loans up to $10,000 for restaurants and bars.
Staplehouse in Atlanta is preparing takeaway meals for the food service community, Tuesday-Saturday. Email info@staplehouse.com with your name and current or former place of employment and preferred pickup time (between 1 and 2 p.m., or 2 and 3 p.m.).
Georgia
Giving Kitchen
Giving Kitchen provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources.
Staplehouse Takeaway Meals
Staplehouse in Atlanta is preparing takeaway meals for the food service community, Tuesday-Saturday. Email info@staplehouse.com for more information.
Illinois
All Illinois schools will be food distribution centers from 9am – 1pm and be able to pick up 3 days of food for all kids in the family. If anyone is in need of delivery, they can call 773-553-KIDS for emergency delivery.
Chicago Family Support Services Rent Assistance
The Emergency Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance to Chicago residents, directly related to the prevention of homelessness, to eligible individuals and families who are in danger of eviction in order to stabilize individuals and families in their existing rental unit.
Illinois Unemployment
Unemployment benefits may be available to some individuals whose unemployment is attributable to COVID-19. IDES recently adopted emergency rules to try to make the unemployment insurance system as responsive to the current situation as possible.
City Colleges Information (Chicago)
Information regarding the City Colleges of Chicago and their response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
CHICAGOLAND FARM BUSINESS GRANTS
Slow Food Chicago and Advocates for Urban Agriculture and Food:Land:Opportunity has just announced round two of grants for Chicagoland farmers affected by COVID-19. Applications are being accepted through May 29 for community gardens, farm businesses or collaborative projects, in amounts from $1,000-$10,000. Go to AUA’s website for details in English and Español.
Chicago-based non-profit Pilot Light, which partners chefs with schools to provide education on food and cooking, is paying chefs to create easy-to-follow educational cooking videos for families to watch at home. The series is called “Family Meal;” if you’re interested, you can apply here.
Chicago’s Fifty/50 Restaurant Group free meals
Chicago’s Fifty/50 Restaurant Group (Roots Handmade Pizza, Portsmith, Steadfast) is cooking and offering pre-packaged and contact-free meals to anyone in need, including hospitality members, on a daily basis out of The Fifty/50. Pickup food from The Fifty/50 between 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays.
Kentucky
Restaurant Worker Relief Program
Starting on March 17, the LEE Initiative will turn 610 Magnolia into a relief center for any restaurant worker who has been laid off or has had a significant reduction in hours. We are offering help for those in dire need of food and supplies. Details here.
In Lexington, VisitLEX and Keeneland Racecourse joined forces with non-profit community kitchen FoodChain to create Nourish Lexington and support local hospitality members by hiring unemployed restaurant workers to prepare meals for locals in need.
Apron Inc. Financial Assistance to Workers Diagnosed with COVID-19
Apron Inc. is a non-profit founded in 2011 with the intent to assist independent restaurant employees struggling through situations like illnesses and natural disasters. The organization is currently offering financial aid to workers diagnosed with COVID-19, and is actively seeking more ways to raise more money and offer more assistance.
Louisiana
South Louisiana Food Banks (Second Harvest)
Providing resources and assistance to the most vulnerable, including restaurant workers.
Statewide Food Pantries, Soup Kitchens, and Food Banks
All food pantries, soup kitchens, and food banks in the state of Louisiana.
LRA Guidance for Louisiana Restaurant Workers/Apply for unemployment insurance
If your employment has been impacted for reasons related to COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease), please review the following information about assistance available. The Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) will do all that we can to ensure impacted workers receive the benefits for which they are eligible.
Massachusetts
Cambridge Virtual Tip Jar
The city of Cambridge has ordered all bars, restaurants, and other non-essential businesses to shutter. Many of our friends and neighbors depend on tips to make ends meet. This virtual tip jar is for local service industry staff – employees at bars, restaurants, salons, etc – to post their Venmo or Paypal information so that customers, neighbors, and Cambridge community members can continue to support them.
Lowell GoFundMe
This fund will be used exclusively to support the individual kitchen staff, bartenders and servers out of work from downtown Lowell’s bar/restaurants.
Boston GoFundMe
This emergency fund is being established as an aid for workers in the hospitality industry, particularly the restaurant sector, in Boston, MA and surrounding communities who have seen a direct financial impact as a result of the current COVID-19 health crisis.
Governor Baker: Suspend Rent, Mortgage, & Utility Payments Petition
In order to protect the health and housing security of our community, we call on Governor Baker to suspend all rent, mortgage, and utility payments for 2 full months to allow people to do what they need to in order to take care of themselves, their loved ones, and the community.
Quincy Hospitality Support Fund
The City of Quincy’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund and the Quincy Chamber of Commerce have established the City of Quincy Hospitality Support Fund, designed to assist with costs relating to rent and leases for members of the hospitality industry. For more information and to submit an application, click here.
Maryland
Food Banks: Montgomery County, MD
Michigan
COVID-19 Community Response
Resources and community response to the COVID-19 outbreak across the state of Michigan.
ROC Michigan Lansing Relief Center
Covid-19 Unemployment Insurance
If you become unemployed, you may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. These benefits are intended to provide temporary income as you seek new employment. To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be unemployed and able to, available for, and actively seeking suitable full-time work.
Covid-19 Work Share
If you become unemployed, you may qualify for unemployment insurance benefits. These benefits are intended to provide temporary income as you seek new employment. To be eligible for unemployment benefits, you must be unemployed and able to, available for, and actively seeking suitable full-time work.
Michigan Migrant Resource Council – Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw and Wayne County
Southeast Michigan United Way Relief Fund & 211
GREATER LANSING AREA COVID-19 SUPPORT
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Michigan COVID-19 Hotline: 1-888-535-6136
Michigan Volunteer Registration: Call 211
State of Michigan COVID-19 Updates
Resource Spreadsheet (by NYMNG)
U.S. Small Business Administration Assistance
Unemployment Benefits Fact Sheet
Minnesota
Caribou Coffee Petition
We are demanding that in response to the recommendations of health organizations and the spread of COVID-19, the coronavirus, our coffee shops be temporarily closed and workers be given emergency paid leave until the threat of this virus is contained.
15 Days Emergency Paid Time Off Petition
We are calling on the State of Minnesota to enact a policy for 15 days of Emergency Paid Time Off paid for by employers and provided to all workers, no exceptions, who have to miss work (including retroactively covering days that have already been lost) due to the coronavirus pandemic for any reason.
MN Unemployment Insurance COVID-19 Page
If your employment has been affected by COVID-19, you can apply for unemployment benefits.
This mutual aid fund was created by community organisers from Saint Paul, MN to support service workers during this stressful time. If you are a service worker who was sent home and need funds for food, medical bills, childcare, or any other financial stressors, please don’t hesitate to make a confidential funds request here: https://forms.gle/F7KRqwTkh2cGFn5G6
Virtual tip jar for restaurant workers in MPLS/STP.
The Immigrant Family Fund is a grassroots fundraising effort to collect resources for immigrant families that don’t qualify for any state or federal support AND who because of COVID19 are pushed deeper into the shadows with little or few resources available to meet their immediate needs.
With these two facts in mind, the TCDSA Mutual Aid and Solidarity Economy Working Group administers a Solidarity Fund, which puts money in the pockets of active members within TCDSA, as well as organizers and activists of allied organizations, during times of need.
Women for Political Change Mutual Aid Fund
Mutual aid fund created by Women for Political Change.
Are you a service worker struggling amidst the coronavirus crisis? We’re here to help!
Provision Community Restaurant Pay What You Can
The first pay-what-you-can restaurant in Minneapolis, Provision Community Restaurant, has shifted its model amidst the COVID-19 crisis by providing free meals twice daily for anyone in need, especially restaurant workers.
Mississippi
MS Department of Health – for Corona Virus Health Updates
MS Department of Employment Security (Unemployment) Information
MidSouth Food Banks Network COVID-19 Mobile response
Mississippi Department of Health – for Corona Virus Health Updates
Updates and guidance from the Mississippi Department of Health for COVID-19.
MS Public Service Commission suspends disconnect of utilities
The Mississippi Public Service Commission voted to temporarily suspended disconnections of certain utility services due to coronavirus concerns. The restriction will be in place for 60 days and apply to all water, sewer, electricity and gas services.
Comcast offers free internet services
Comcast has announced new steps to aid in the fight against the coronavirus and help connect more people to what will be a broadband lifeline to work, health and school.
FCC pledge from 60 providers of cell and internet services
Communications companies big and small have signed on to a “Keep Americans Connected Pledge” at the request of FCC chairman Ajit Pai and in the face of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.
Missouri
Missouri Restaurant Association Relief Fund
With donations from Major Brands and Beam Suntory, the Missouri Restaurant Association was able to start a fundraising campaign to support restaurant workers who have been laid off or furloughed. To request funds, click here.
The Rieger / Crossroads Community Kitchen
The Rieger has transformed from restaurant to a Crossroads Community Kitchen that’s also accepting donations and providing meals for service industry workers and anyone else in need of assistance during the pandemic from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. daily.
Nebraska
COVID-19 Response Fund (Omaha)
Together with several local foundations, the Omaha Community Foundation has launched the COVID-19 Response Fund to provide flexible resources to organizations in the metro area working with communities who are disproportionately impacted by coronavirus and the economic consequences of this outbreak.
Nevada
The people behind Honey Salt, Graffiti Bao and other restaurants have partnered to launch Delivering with Dignity, a program that takes excess food from restaurants and serves meals to low-income families in the Las Vegas area. To volunteer for the project or request a meal, call 888.603.3548.
New Hampshire
Dover GoFundMe
This fund is for emergency relief of as many restaurant workers as this fund will allow us to cover.
New York
Buffalo Mutual Aid Relief Fund
Restaurant Worker NYC Solidarity FB Group
A Facebook group meant to provide resources, gather supplies, offer knowledge, childcare, and help navigate the system or even just a place to vent about the stress of dealing with the personal and economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
– – – To join Brooklyn-based organizing support, email: Serviceworkerscoalition@gmail.com – – –
Unemployment Insurance — 7 day waiting period waived
Heart to Harvest has launched the Restaurant Rescue Fund, an initiative to help independant restaurants in the New York Metro area and New Jersey reopen through a grant fund. The organzation will also provide assistance wtih vendor and landlors negotiations, staffing, and operational improvements to ensure longevity after reopening. Restaurant owners can check if they qualify and apply for assistance here.
Family Meal Hospitality Trust has created the WNY Hospitality Relief fund, which is using donations to supply New York City hospitality workers with much-needed grants.
North Carolina
Triangle Area Restaurant Worker Resources
Ohio
Powell GoFundMe
Accepting donations that will be shared amongst restaurant workers at Prohibition Gastro Lounge to aid in this extremely challenging time.
Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
The Ohio Restaurant Association started the Ohio Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which is providing grants to members of the state’s hospitality industry. Workers can go here to verify their previous employment and fill out an application.
Oklahoma
Hunger Free Oklahoma launched Tulsa Kitchens Unite, a program that pays restaurants and their workers to remain open and prepare free meals for Tulsa families in need.
Pennsylvania
PA Unemployment during Covid19 website
Sharing Excess:Food Waste Prevention
Philadelphia Share Food Program
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh Restaurant Workers Mutual Aid FB Group
Mutual aid resources for restaurant workers in the Greater Pittsburgh area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pittsburgh Virtual Tip Jar
This virtual tip jar is for local service industry staff – employees at bars, restaurants, salons, etc – to post their Venmo or Paypal information so that customers, neighbors, and Pittsburgh community members can continue to support them.
Greater Pittsburgh GoFundMe
This GoFundMe page is for restaurant workers in the Greater Pittsburgh region.
Other Resources
- File for unemployment: bit.ly/3a2qARW
- Talk mental health: text PA to 741-741
- Apply for Medicaid: on.pa.gov/compass
- Apply for SNAP: on.pa.gov/compass
South Carolina
Charleston-based East Island Brewing Co. established its Spread the Love Relief Fund to support hospitality workers in all states where Island Brands are sold: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. Industry workers can apply to receive donations here.
Tennessee
Tennessee Action for Hospitality
A coalition of independent restaurant owners, hourly workers and chefs working together to connect Tennessee hospitality workers as a united front to expedite the protection, relief and welfare of and for hospitality workers at a local, state and federal level.
Texas
Houston-based Second Servings has partnered with Hess Corporation and Sysco for its “Dinner’s On Us” program, offering family meals to take home for local hospitality workers in need. The organization aims to donate 10,000 meals per week every Tuesday and Thursday between 10 a.m. and noon. More details here.
Dallas’ 8020 Hospitality launched a new program called “Everybody Eats,” preparing free meals for service industry workers, available for safe curbside pickup at Hero Monday to Friday between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Virginia
Foodbanks:
Holli Fund Service Worker Grants
Richmond-based Holli Fund is offering grants to food service workers; those in need of assistance can apply here.
Washington
The Big Table (Seattle-based)
Community resources for hospitality employees.
Along with the Seattle Restaurant Alliance, UpTogether and the Seattle Foundation, Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz helped put together a new coalition, The Plate Fund, to provide $500 grants to in-need restaurants workers throughout King County, as quickly as possible.
Note:
Update: With support from more than 3,100 generous donors we have raised $7.8 million to serve 15,600 restaurant workers in King County! So far, we have approved 13,000 applications and distributed $6.5 million. Two-thirds of recipients live in zip codes classified as economically distressed by the King County government.
As of Sunday, April 26, all relief assistance is available exclusively through our community partners or using codes that applicants receive from their employers or former employers. This will allow us to continue to focus on reaching people who are in the greatest need, including those who may not be eligible for government assistance due to immigration status or other issues.
Restaurant owners may request codes to help workers in the greatest need by emailing coderequests@theplatefund.com.
Wisconsin
Madison Virtual Tip Jar
Community resources for hospitality employees.
To help others in the industry. The money will be donated and distribute to industry friends in need. Any and all money donated would help.
Some state and national resources were found here.