On Friday night, DoorDash took to Twitter with a simple message: Let’s help each other out. And for hours, restaurant brands tagged other brands, including competitors on a different day, and encouraged patrons to order in. It was a reminder, as we may have needed, that we are in this together.
Soon after, March 24th was tagged as #TheGreatAmericanTakeout. A nudge to diners to look beyond the fear, the disruption, the noise, the reality, and support the very people who have cooked for us so many times before this crisis. It is a call-to-action to support our neighbors and chefs, vendors, farms, and staff who make it possible. A day, yes, with many more ahead.
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This is a testament to this industry, truly. Over the last week, we’ve read, watched, cheered, and championed the organizations and businesses moving quickly to change their models, ask for help, and tell their stories. Communities have come together in unprecedented circumstances to serve one another, to share news and tips, to stock shelves with meals and become relief centers for the weary. Restaurant suppliers are offering their crops to the public and relief funds are forming across the globe. World Central Kitchen is on the ground distributing meals to families, Feeding America is stocking food banks across the country, Save the Children has partnered with No Kid Hungry to support schools and community programs. And, over 22,000 coronavirus-related GoFundMe fund-raisers have formed and raised more than $40 million, according to the crowdfunding site.
Cafeterias, restaurants, and dining halls exist to bring people together. Now we stand together in their absence. As this crisis unfolds, slowly, swiftly, surely, we will remain optimistic. We will remain steady. We will remain committed to you. As a patron, an ally, your partner, we are with you.
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