December 24, 2020
The Delaware Restaurant Association Educational Foundation recently funded a second round of direct cash grants to more than 100 restaurant workers struggling from income loss and unemployment due to COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions.
The individual $365 grants were being paid out to recipients the week of Dec. 14, at a time when many are facing a loss of hours and income due to the recent bar/restaurant curfews and stay-at-home advisory issued by Gov. John Carney.
"Within the last 30 days, thousands of restaurant workers in Delaware have been forced to file for unemployment benefits due to the latest restaurant restrictions and stay-at-home advisory; however, unlike before when there was federal relief funding, now these workers are left without a job during the holidays, with no relief in sight. They make a living with their hands and cannot work from home, nor can they be offered workplace flexibility like those in state and local governments and corporate business sectors. If they do not work, thousands of workers do not earn a paycheck,” said Carrie Leishman, Delaware Restaurant Association president and CEO. “Our community has acted proactively and swiftly with donations to help those unemployed and underemployed through no fault of their own. It is inspiring to see restaurants spring to action when their neighbors need them, and we are proud to work with the community in giving back to the industry and workers we value and love.”