How restaurants helped the fight against childhood hunger during the pandemicHow restaurants helped the fight against childhood hunger during the pandemic

Since the start of the No Kid Hungry campaign, the restaurant industry has stood behind its work, contributing funding, support and energy to the mission of making sure every child in America has the food they need. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in March 2020, many of those restaurants were faced with unprecedented health and safety restrictions and economic uncertainty. Despite their own operational challenges, many restaurants across America stepped up to meet the needs of their communities.

In particular, Fogo de Chão and the Arby’s Foundation, both longtime supporters of No Kid Hungry, worked tirelessly to adapt to alternative service models and innovate their fundraising practices. Their quick thinking and dedication to the cause helped ensure hungry kids and families were able to have access to healthy meals when they needed them most.   

Fogo de Chão aims high 

“When the coronavirus pandemic hit, we quickly pivoted our focus to what Fogo de Chão could do, rather than what we couldn’t do, for our employees, partners, and communities,” said Fogo de Chão CEO Barry McGowan.

A No Kid Hungry partner since 2015, the Brazilian steakhouse was one of the first to ask how they could support hungry kids during these difficult times. Simultaneously, they were in the middle of changing the way they did business.

Related:How foodservice philanthropy rose to the occasion in unprecedented crisis

Fogo de Chão worked swiftly to pivot from exclusively offering indoor dining to allowing take-out service and delivery, to reach their guests who were stuck at home. Some of their restaurants even converted lobbies into butcher shops, allowing families in their communities to have easy access to food. Most impressively, they immediately began donating a portion of their proceeds to No Kid Hungry, resulting in significant funds raised for kids during this time.

The brand also lent a hand to feed first responders, the essential workers that kept cities up and running during the pandemic. They partnered with local organizations to deliver thousands of meals a week. Fogo’s Pittsburgh team was recognized by the city for their support of local food banks, which had been forced to restrict hours or even close during lockdowns.

The team at Fogo de Chão knows the fight to end childhood hunger is far from over.

“The fact remains that many children lack resources and access to consistent meals,” said McGowan. “But it is possible to make a change and help those who are most vulnerable. Fogo de Chão’s hope is that their extended Fogo family — guests and partners — join the fight to end childhood hunger.”

The Arby’s Foundation reinforces values through action 

When the pandemic closed school doors and left millions of children without the healthy school meals they depend on, the Arby’s Foundation was also quick on its feet. The Arby’s Foundation raised critical funds for No Kid Hungry, while working to expand their restaurant worker relief initiatives. Both efforts were crucial to support families struggling to get the food they need.

Stuart Brown of the Arby’s Foundation said that continuing to give during the pandemic was a no-brainer. “It quickly became clear how dependent upon schools we are and how they serve as the hub of so much of child well-being,” he said. “It’s a testament to the conviction and drive of our team members that in a year with the challenges around staffing and supply chain, we set fundraising records in our restaurants. Operators also saw this as a time to invest in their team cultures.”

The Arby’s Foundation team is passionate about helping the neighborhoods they work and serve in. According to Brown, that doesn’t only come from leadership, but also from managers, employees and guests alike.

“They know the important work No Kid Hungry does and knew it was a critical time to continue that support, wanting to be part of the solution and demonstrate that our ‘make a difference’ value is more than words on a wall,” he said.

Thanks to generous supporters like Fogo de Chão and the Arby’s Foundation, No Kid Hungry has sent over $110 million in support to local communities since March 2020. These grants have helped schools, local nonprofits, and food banks provide 1.5 billion meals at a time when as many as 1 in 6 kids are facing hunger. For more information, visit NoKidHungry.org.