Restaurant Employee Relief Fund

March 27, 2020

1894

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