Giving Kitchen Responds to Unprecedented Hurricane Disasters with Compassion and Care
When we come together as a community, we show every food service worker that they are not alone. Together, we turn compassion into action and crisis into stability. Since the storms landfall in September, Giving Kitchen has responded to a surge in Asks For Help amid the recent hurricane disasters — nearly four times the average volume. The overwhelming need for assistance highlights the vulnerable challenges faced by food service workers.
“The volume of requests Giving Kitchen has received for help is a testament to the resilience and courage of our food service community. These Asks For Help are not just numbers; they are stories of industry members, neighbors, friends, and family facing unimaginable hardships.”
Hurricane Disaster Relief
Within weeks of the hurricane's initial landfall in September, Giving Kitchen provided critical support to 441 food service workers and their families, distributing nearly $100,000 in emergency disaster funds. This assistance supported:
222 children in the households of food service workers
857 individuals living in these homes
In total, 414 Visa gift cards were distributed to address immediate needs such as fuel, replacement of spoiled groceries, and temporary lodging. This is the equivalent of 1,243 weeks of groceries for impacted families.
Through the Stability Network, 3,193 resource referrals were made to Southeast food service workers. These include emergency resources and information on accessing shelters, food banks, pet food, water, and government financial assistance.
Nationwide Impact
Beyond the Southeast, Giving Kitchen extended its compassionate reach nationwide, supporting 235 additional food service workers, and provided more than $377,416 in financial assistance, making sure that wherever they are, food service workers receive the care they need.
Since our inception in 2013, Giving Kitchen has awarded over $13.5 million in financial assistance to more than 25,000 food service workers. Our journey of support, resilience, and community care continues to grow stronger, thanks to the unwavering support from people like you.
Support Food Service Workers
The most important thing you can do to help Giving Kitchen fulfill our mission of helping food service workers in crisis is to spread the word! Follow us on social media (@givingkitchen) and tell every food service worker you know that Giving Kitchen is here to help food service workers.