With everything going on in the world right now it is good to stop and be reminded of the positivity around us. It is refreshing to see all the acts of good that people are doing to help each other get through these tough times.
The beloved Mr. Rogers used to say, “In times of catastrophe always look for the helpers… because if you look for the helpers, you’ll know there’s hope.” Here are just a few ways restaurants are giving back and being “the helpers” to fight against COVID-19:
- Starbucks is offering a free coffee to health care professionals through May 3. This includes doctors, nurses, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, and hospital staff.
- You can also get free coffee at Circle K or Cumberland Farms with a valid healthcare ID.
- Krispy Kreme is offering a free dozen donuts to all healthcare professionals from 3/30 to 5/11.
- Tropical Smoothie Cafe is giving away 100,000 smoothies to healthcare workers and will deliver them to any hospital.
- Nando’s is giving free takeout to any nurse, doctor, or healthcare worker with an ID or wearing a uniform.
- SweetGreens has created the SweetGreens Impact Outpost Fund with World Central Kitchens to create “outposts” by healthcare centers, schools, and senior centers to feed those in need and donate food to hospitals.
- Chick-fil-A has a shared Table food donation program where local restaurants donate food to healthcare workers and deploy their food trucks to areas where restaurants can’t serve guests.
- World Central Kitchens, a non-profit that has helped deliver food to countries in need over the past 10 years has created gourmet soup-kitchens throughout the United States. Here to-go lunches are $7 for those that can afford it or given at a cheaper price for those who can’t. They have also partnered with different groups to deliver food to senior centers and families in need.
- New Jersey based restaurant, Ani Ramen House, prepared all of their inventory before closing and donated meal kits to families in need. These meals had the broth, noodles, vegetables, and protein to feed as many as four people.
Those are just a few of the national chains who are generously giving back to the community, but there are many more offering discounts and other giveaways. Additionally, when you add in all of the local restaurants and other businesses giving away food, shoes, car washes, and more, the response to help has been incredible. It is amazing be part of an industry that truly cares and gives back in times of need.