The Beard Foundation has launched a fund to provide micro-grants to independent food and beverage businesses in need during the crisis. It is asking for donations from corporations and foundations as well as individual donors.Started by chef Edward Lee, this program is turning restaurants across the country into relief centers for local restaurant workers who have been laid off or had a significant decrease in pay. Donations can be earmarked to a specific city, including L.A.
The organization, founded in 2018 to advocate for gender equality, racial justice, fair wages and healthy work environments in the restaurant industry, established a COVID-19 crisis relief fund that has already raised more than $2 million. Half of the money raised is going to direct relief for restaurant workers, a quarter to zero-interest loans to restaurants, and a quarter to nonprofits aiding restaurant workers.The nonprofit California Restaurant Assn.