Restaurant Employee Relief Fund
Through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
2055 L Street NW, Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 ChooseRestaurants.org
Restaurant Employee Relief Fund Through the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
There are more than 1 million restaurants in the U.S., home to more than 15 million employees. Early estimates indicate that our industry is the largest sector impacted by the spread of COVID-19, with 5 to 7 million restaurant workers expected to lose their jobs. In the face of this global pandemic, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) believes that our mission – to support and empower our industry’s workforce – is more important than ever.
NRAEF set up the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund to help restaurant industry employees experiencing hardship in the wake of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Through this Fund, grants will be made to restaurant industry employees who have demonstrated being financially impacted by COVID-19, whether through a decrease in wages or loss of employment. These grants will be made on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to availability of funds. 100% of the Fund’s proceeds will go to providing grants to restaurant workers.
RELIEF CRITERIA
Funds will be available for restaurant employees who can demonstrate that they:
- Worked on a part- or full-time basis in the restaurant industry for at least 90 days in the past year; and
- Have had a primary source of income in the restaurant industry for the last year; and
- Have experienced a decrease in wages or loss of job on or after March 10, 2020; and
- Live in the United States, an overseas U.S. military base, or any U.S. territory; and
- Are over the age of legal majority in their U.S. state or territory.
RELIEF AMOUNT
- One-time, $500 check to use towards housing, transportation, utilities, child-care, groceries, medical bills or student loans
RELIEF PROCESS
- Complete grant requests online via simple form at RERF.us (available April 2nd)
- Requests reviewed and verified by the NRAEF team
- Confirm applicant is eligible and has not previously received financial aid from the Fund
- Check mailed to recipient – funds will be disbursed on a first-come- first-served basis
TO SUPPORT
- Contact Allison Rhyne, Vice President of Development, arhyne@nraef.org, (202) 315-4119