BALTIMORE — Help and a full belly is on the way for our restaurant workers.
On Wednesday, the Baltimore Restaurant Relief Fund will start the "Feed the Industry" initiative.
For servers, bartenders, and restaurant owners the pandemic has tested their resolve, patience, and bank accounts.
Jasmine Norton had to shut down her brick-and-mortar Urban Oyster restaurant and set up shop in Hotel Revival. At the same time, she opened Urban Burger Bar.
“It’s been tough, it’s been nerve wracking, it’s been scary," Norton said. "With having employees depending on us for their dollars to take care of their families. Us as business owners to take care of our own families.”
David Seel is President of the Baltimore Restaurant Relief Fund.
It's evolved from a Facebook group to a nonprofit aimed at bringing together resources to help industry workers.
“We just need to be pouring as much money and capital and support into this community as we can because it really is a tough situation," said Seel. "Especially here in Baltimore City as both indoor and outdoor dining has been shut down.”
This is just a small part of what the Restaurant Relief Part has done so far, but they need every person to help by supporting local businesses.
“Go out order take out or carry out for New Year's Eve order carry out at least 3 times a week from your local restaurants," said Seel. "Order cocktails to go, those types of things really go a long way.”
The newest initiative is offering $1,500 to restaurants to create family style meals for industry workers. The group will distribute those meals to families three days a week.
“It’s a twofold situation," Norman said. "It’s helping the business owners but it’s also helping those who help the business owners thrive. We have to continue to show our appreciation for those that help us to be successful.”
This initiative is made possible because of a $30,000 donation frome MileOne Autogroup, but the more funding they can get the more they can help our workers.
The meals will start next week, and they are hoping to keep them going through February. To sign up, click here.
