Resources for Restaurant Industry Workers

Updates for ICE externs and alumni and our community of culinary professionals.
Takeout containers with food

Here's an evolving list of resources for our students, alumni and community as the restaurant industry navigates the challenges and changing landscape resulting from COVID-19.

Assistance:

  • : The city is offering small businesses with fewer than five employees a grant to cover 40% of payroll costs for two months to help retain employees.
  • Our official partner, the (HANYC), has factsheets, guidance and safety tips.
  • The has resources, a daily webinar with industry support and stories.
  • The Restaurant Workers Community Foundation has put together a for restaurants and food industry workers coping with the COVID-19 emergency.
  • Empowered Hospitality provides resources for terminated employees.
  • UBS shared a document on Coronavirus Relief Resources for US Business Owners.
  • Restaurant Hospitality shared .
  • The offers information, resources and an email subscription for more.
  • The has compiled information and resources.
  • The covers restrictions, relief, announcements, tips and webinars.
  • The City of New York is now providing childcare for all essential personnel who are critical to the COVID-19 response efforts. This includes restaurant staff and delivery/takeout workers. Those who are serving in these vital roles and have no other means of childcare can enroll in New York City Department of Education's Regional Enrichment Centers (RECs). RECs are open and operate from 7:30am to 6:00pm on Monday-Friday, and will ensure that students in grades K-12 have access to remote learning as well as various art, music and other activities. Visit the website to enroll your child(ren) in one of these centers.

News:

  • is maintaining lists of restaurant relief funds and restaurants offering delivery in major cities while providing thorough updates on the restaurant industry.
  • published a pro guide on the situation, covering communication, safety, staff and support.
  • shares stories under Shutdown Diaries.
  • is compiling resources for impacted businesses by state.

Voice Your Support:

  • To advocate for assistance for the restaurant community, in Washington, D.C.
  • The National Restaurant Associations has submitted a .
  • The NYC Hospitality Alliance is covering and calling for a . Here's a fast way to .
  • Here are five other restaurant relief funds, petitions and campaigns.

Apply for Unemployment Benefits:  

Here are the state unemployment sites for , , and . Read about unemployment because of the coronavirus shutdown in here and . 

Resources for Your Mental and Physical Health:

  • provides mental health resources and support.
  • The has updates, tips and travel alerts for minimizing risk.
  • The has daily updates on the outbreak and response.
  • The provide the latest global updates, guidance and travel information.
  • The has advice, reports and updates on the outbreak.

As restaurants convert to delivery and close dine-in operations, slashing staff hours, many are providing resources from groceries to family meals for culinary professionals out of work. Here's a running list for our students, externs, alumni and their colleagues during this difficult time:

  • is providing remote assistance for job seekers.
  • Chef Edward Lee's Lee Initiative is hosting the Restaurant Workers Relief Program in six cities, including Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Louisville, New York City, Seattle and Washington, D.C. In Brooklyn, Gertie restaurant has been converted to a relief site sponsored by Maker's Mark. Any restaurant worker who has lost hours or been laid off can come for dinner and supplies, Tuesdays-Fridays. Pick up one meal person at 357 Grand St., from 4-7 p.m., first come, first served. Virit donate.
  • In NYC, launched family meal, providing free meals to people in the industry with a new menu each day at 10:30 a.m.
  • Serviceindustry.tips is calling on people worldwide to tip a local service worker every time they have a drink at home while social distancing. To sign yourself or your city up to receive random tips via Cash App or Venmo, visit .
  • In San Francisco, is providing family meal for all Crenn Dining Group staff members.

Volunteer Opportunities

Tag on social media to share additional resources, and check out these food books and industry podcasts while you're social distancing.

ICE's former Content Director, Ashley Day has also managed USA TODAY's food section and covered food and travel for The Daily Meal, Rand McNally and Hungry? City Guides. Ashley went from taste-testing frozen pizzas at the Good Housekeeping Institute to braving exotic game meat for Field & Stream, then making ramen with Morimoto and rolling sushi with Nobu for USA TODAY Eats.