Four Courses of Action You Can Take
1. Calling/Emailing Officials
The HEROES Act
The Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions Act or HEROES Act is proposed legislation acting as a stimulus package for the economy, public health, state and local governments, individuals, and business in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Sponsor: Rep. Nita M. Lowey
Status: Has Passed House of Representatives
RESTAURANTS Act of 2020
The Real Economic Support That Acknowledges Unique Restaurant Assistance Needed to Survive Act proposes a $120Billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund to provide structured relief to food service or drinking establishments through December 31, 2020, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Senator Roger Wicker
Status: Introduced to Congress
Supporting America’s Restaurant Workers Act
A bill to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, which codifies all federal tax laws, including income, estate, gift, excise, alcohol, tobacco, and employment taxes, to temporarily expand the deduction for business meals provided at a restaurant.
Sponsor: Tim Scott
Status: Introduced to Congress
Federal Legislation Update
On Monday, December 21, 2020, Congress passed a $1.3 trillion omnibus bill that includes an additional $900 billion in COVID-19 relief and stimulus funding. To see the impact of this legislation on the proposals above, please go to the Independent Restaurant Coalition's excellent summary
2. "EatOutToHelpOut," Online Ordering and Mutual Aid Volunteering
Picture your favorite restaurants. How often were they a source of comfort for you and your family? How often did they provide a setting for your cherished memories? They have given much to your life and now they ask you to give in return. Once a week, every day, any business is better than no business. Directly support your local institutions if possible. During this challenging time, your favorite restaurants need all the support they can get! Whether you go out or stay in, your business is crucial. Here are some ways to help:
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Eat out if possible. Support your local restaurants, and try to give preference to locally owned, as opposed to chain restaurants.
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If you choose to do takeout, make sure whenever possible to order directly on the restaurant’s website. Only use Grubhub, Uber Eats, or another third-party app if there is no alternative. In this way, you are making sure your local institutions are receiving as much support as possible.
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Call to see if your local restaurants sell packaged frozen prepared meals that you can purchase from them and warm up at home. Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Katz's Delicatessen are among the many NYC restaurants that do so! Many restaurants use Goldbelly to sell food online.
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Volunteer for or donate to community Mutual Aid efforts, such as those at restaurants La Morada and Harlem Public, or local food pantries, by serving food or giving to GoFundMe campaigns. Please see MutualAidNYC, ReThink Food and CLOTH for more possibilities.
3. Join Our Social Media Campaign: #EatOutToHelpOut
If you decide to eat out, takeout, order delivery, post a picture on Instagram using our hashtag #EatOuttoHelpOut
4. Donate!
RWCF COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund (National)
Supports restaurant workers and restaurants with funds to survive during this pandemic
USBG National Charity Foundation (National)
Supports bartenders with financial security for themselves and their families during hardship
CORE | Kindful (National)
Supports parents in the restaurant industry with kids who have been diagnosed with COVID-19
Heart of Dinner (NYC)
Supports low-income Asian-American homebound elderly
One Fair Wage Emergency Fund (New York)
Support restaurant workers who need the money they aren’t getting to survive
James Beard Foundation (National)
Support restaurant workers with an investment fund for black and indigenous workers