The outbreak of COVID-19 has affected seemingly all facets of our lives, but the restaurant industry is among those hardest hit by the pandemic in recent weeks. Restaurateurs are grappling with the decision of whether or not to close their businesses, and with that, whether or not to displace their employees. For restaurant workers in both the front and back of house, the prospect of being without a job for weeks or months in the future is a terrifying reality — and Guy Fieri is doing his part to help.

Just days ago he joined forces with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to launch the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, aiming to award $500 grants to applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications will open, tomorrow, April 2, and are available as one-time endowments to all US restaurant workers who have been impacted by the sudden shifts.

Guy explained that through his travels on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, he’s seen firsthand the hustle, commitment and determination of restaurant workers in America, and that it’s time to give back to them. “They need our help and with Restaurant Relief America, we can serve up some support when these restaurant employees need it most...right now,” he said.

To learn more and to find out how you can get involved, visit the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund.