As someone who is part of the food chain as well as a foodie (and big fan of not having to cook myself for every meal), it was quite sad to hear the news that since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and related operating restrictions, 100,000 restaurants have closed on a permanent basis in the U.S. The National Restaurant Association, which released that number in a recent study, notes that that’s nearly 1 in 6 restaurants closed and 3 million restaurant employees out of work. And I’ve heard from some that the number is probably going to get dramatically higher.

This is striking news for all of us involved in the food and agriculture community. In addition to being our customers, restaurants are a crucial link between farm and fork. Many consumers get information about their food right from the restaurant menu, making restaurants an important partner in communicating accurate information about animal agriculture. For that reason, the Alliance has invested considerable time over the last few years in cultivating relationships in the restaurant and foodservice space so that we can provide resources on hot topics such as animal welfare, antibiotic use and sustainability as brands consider their supply chain policies and marketing.

Now it’s time for us to find other ways to support our friends in the restaurant industry. It has been great to see members of the animal agriculture and meat community stepping up to offer support, such as the Great American Takeout, which helps drive takeout and delivery sales by holding virtual events. The effort, which is sponsored by companies including Tyson and Land O’Lakes, has raised $340,000 so far for charities that support restaurant employees and their children while also increasing business at restaurants.

Others are taking different paths to support brands, with National Pork Board helping to launch Restaurants Rise, a digital resource center to help provide foodservice companies with the information and inspiration needed to help navigate these unprecedented times. If you’re policy-oriented, the National Restaurant Association has published a comprehensive policy and legislative plan that outlines what actions can be taken to help the industry.

My household of two has been making a point of supporting our local restaurants throughout the pandemic, but that is not enough to move the needle (in fact, at least one of the restaurants in our small town has already permanently closed). I encourage everyone throughout the food chain to find ways to support the restaurant industry, now and into the future.

Supporting our restaurant partners

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