Team Up to Fight Hunger is a collaboration of community partners that have come together during the COVID-19 pandemic to promote and support local restaurants and workers while providing food to individuals and families in need through local nonprofits.
Many restaurants have had to lay-off staff as they close their dining rooms to customers. Not only is this a hardship on the business and employees, but it can also increase the burden on nonprofits that are serving those in need. This also affects other local businesses, as those out of work employees no longer have funds to shop.
As the community scrambles to find food and supplies to care for their own families, nonprofits are having a difficult time finding the same items to supply to their existing clients. Additionally, their client intake has increased, as much as 200%, putting an additional burden on their already bare shelves. Note that restaurant distributors are different than grocery store distributors, so in many cases the restaurants can get supplies not currently found at grocery stores.
What if nonprofits could partner with restaurants to not only feed those in need, but to increase the need for the restaurant to hire back their staff? Those in need can receive quality meals for their families, extending the need for the next visit to the food pantry. At the same time, the restaurant staff are no longer needing to go to the pantry and once again have money to spend at area businesses for their other needs.
Local nonprofits (5 Loaves Food Pantry, Wylie Community Christian Care Center and Amazing Grace Food Pantry) are distributing Team Up to Fight Hunger vouchers that are redeemable at local participating restaurants. Each voucher is redeemable for a meal to feed at least a family of four. Participating restaurants define their meal options, as well as any stipulations (ie., advance ordering, time/day, pick-up options, etc).
As this is meant to be a supplement to the restaurant business (not a full replacement), Team Up is asking restaurants to provide a meal to serve at least a family of 4, with a value of at least $40. Vouchers are reimbursed at a rate of $25 per voucher, from funds donated by businesses and individuals. “Your $25 donation will provide a hot, hearty meal to a family of four.”
Team Up to Fight Hunger is promoting all partners through social media and other digital communications. All participating restaurants and other partners are being asked to help promote the initiative to raise awareness so we can serve more families in need while driving more traffic to area restaurants.
Team Up to Fight Hunger website – www.TeamUptoFightHunger.com
Facebook Page www.facebook.com/TeamUptoFightHunger