Meeting an Unprecedented Need in the Southeast

Photo: U.S. Forestry Service

Since Hurricanes Helene and Milton made landfall earlier this month, we have received thousands of Asks for Help (AFH) from food service workers in impacted areas. The majority of these AFHs have been supported through our Stability Network, which has already supported about 2000 clients since October 1 with thousands of comprehensive connections to local resources; this includes direct outreach from our incredible case managers as well as food service workers utilizing our online resource page. For context, this is more clients in a month than we served through Stability Network in the entire previous quarter (3 months).

Update: We define GK’s guiding principle of Generosity as “compassion and care that goes beyond what’s expected.” Today, we're ready to do even more as we activate the next step of disaster relief: offering quick assistance through our Financial Disaster Relief Program. We hope to impact hundreds of food service workers in disaster-stricken areas with quick, immediate support and financial relief.

How GK Disaster Relief Works: The first best way we help is by connecting food service workers that ask for help with local resources and programs to help them find immediate safety and stability. Then, they complete our truncated application for our expedited Financial Disaster Relief program. Eligible food service workers who experienced lost wages, evacuation expenses, and/or damage to their home and belongings due to the storms are eligible for up to $500 in the form of a Visa gift card. To start the process, food service workers must fill out an Ask for Help form. Qualifying food service workers can expect to receive funds from this program in 6-10 business days. Applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis until available disaster relief funds have been depleted.

How can I help? Donate to Giving Kitchen at https://thegivingkitchen.org/give-now. You can also remind food service workers that they are not alone and spread the word about Giving Kitchen helping food service workers across the nation.