A Message from the James Beard Foundation:
Hi Chefs,
It’s been a busy week in Washington, D.C., with members of Congress looking to pass legislation before the August break. Below are some moving pieces we’re watching right now.
RESTAURANTS Act
There’s an ongoing push from the Independent Restaurant Coalition (IRC) and the James Beard Foundation to get the RESTAURANTS Act through. It’s important for culinary professionals to get in touch with members of Congress to help this bill gain co-signers and support—the Restaurant Relief Fund, a part of the bill, would provide necessary support to small restaurants and catering businesses across the country. You can email your Congressperson via this portal from IRC. IRC has also produced these flyers (in color and black and white) for restaurants to put in take out orders or to post to encourage customers to use their voices in support of restaurants. Be sure to tune in to our webinar on the RESTAURANTS Act this Thursday at 2:00 P.M. ET for more. Register here.
SNAP “Rolling Rally” this Monday, July 20
The Food Research and Action Center (FRAC) is hosting a virtual Rolling Rally to urge senators to #BoostSNAPNow. The rally will be this Monday, July 20, from 9:00 A.M. to noon in your time zone. Join others in urging the Senate to take immediate action to boost SNAP in the next COVID-19 relief package. During the rally on Monday, call your senator about boosting SNAP, or use your social media to promote the message (video messages are great!). Don’t forget to tag your senator (find their social media here) and use the hashtag #BoostSNAPNow. Full details and more information available here.
Last Call: Virtual Boot Camp
Thursday, July 16 is the last day for you to express your interest in joining our Chefs Boot Camp for Policy and Change (virtual edition). Complete the form by 10:00 P.M. ET on Thursday to ensure you’re considered for the program. More information and a link to apply is available here.
Re-Opening Survey
With states across the country re-opening and closing at all paces, we would like to hear from you about the state of your business, the health and safety measures you’ve put into place, your concerns about re-opening and customer behavior, and what resources might be of help at this time. If you haven’t done so already, please take our short 10 minute survey before it closes tomorrow, July 16.
Top Reads and Views
- “If You Want to Experience Liberation, Black Women Must Be at the Table” [Eater]
- Julián Castro on the Goya Boycott and How to Support Communities of Color [Civil Eats]
- In it Together: Reinventing the Industry with Andrew Zimmern and Rohini Dey, Wednesday, July 15 at 12 P.M. PT. Register here. [Webinar]
- James Beard Media Awards at Home: Representation in Food Media, Wednesday, July 15 at 6:00 P.M ET. Register here. [Webinar]
Best,
Ashley Kosiak and the James Beard Foundation Impact Programs team
