PepsiCo helping restaurant workers coping with COVID-19

Building on its more than $50 million commitment for COVID-19 relief, PepsiCo Foodservice is launching four programs aimed at supporting restaurants and their workers who have been hit by the crisis, according to a press release. About 8 million restaurant workers are unemployed due to COVID-19, nearly 30,000 U.S. restaurants have already permanently closed, and countless others are struggling to keep their doors open.

"Through these relief programs and virtual events, we're giving people multiple ways to come together in support of restaurants and restaurant workers nationwide." Scott Finlow, chief marketing officer, PepsiCo Global Foodservice, said in the press release.

To support the foodservice industry during this challenging time, PepsiCo is introducing the following initiatives:

The world needs more good news

To support struggling restaurant workers, PepsiCo committed $1 million to help kick start the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund created by celebrity chef Guy Fieri and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. The fund provides $500 grants to industry employees who've been impacted by COVID-19, including a significant decrease in wages or loss of employment.

On his digital show "Some Good News," filmmaker and actor John Krasinski surprised Fieri when he shared PepsiCo's commitment to raise an additional $3 million for the RERF. Americans can join the mission by purchasing a Pepsi T-shirt or tote featuring artwork by Krasinski's daughters at Sevenly.org; 100% of proceeds will go to the RERF. 

Nacho average showdown to support RERF May 15

Nacho-loving rivals Guy Fieri and Bill Murray are teaming up to present "Nacho Average Showdown," a live virtual nacho-making competition presented by Tostitos to raise awareness and donations to the RERF. The competition will be judged by basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal, actor Terry Crews and emceed by Food Network host Carla Hall.

Uber Eats, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Ecolab, Modelo Negra, Tyson Foods and Food Network are also partners of the event shown live via Food Network at 5 p.m. EST, May 15 on Facebook.com/FoodNetwork. Viewers will be encouraged to contribute to RERF via the donate button.  

Staying in is the new going out

PepsiCo is inviting consumers to bolster eateries with The Great American Takeout. By ordering at least one meal a week for delivery or pickup, people can help keep restaurants in business — and spread the word by sharing what they ordered using the hashtag #TheGreatAmericanTakeout.

On Friday, May 15 at 8 p.m. EST/5 p.m. PST, PepsiCo will host a virtual Dinner & A Movie in support of The Great American Takeout. The free event includes a screening of "A Fine Line," a film that ignites dialogue on female leadership in the kitchen and beyond, exploring why less than 7% of head chefs and restaurant owners are women.

The movie will be followed by a live discussion with featured chefs Cat Cora, Tanya Holland, Maricel Presilla and Val James, who'll share their personal experiences and how they're finding creative ways to help restaurant employees and stay in business. People can join PepsiCo and The Great American Takeout by registering for the debut of A Fine Line on YouTube Premiere. The post-screening discussion will be available on CrowdCast.

With 8 million Latinos normally employed in restaurants, hotels and other jobs at high risk of health and economic loss, PepsiCo also teamed up with UNIVISION to create a public service announcement to further support The Great American Takeout. The PSA features Jesús Díaz, aka Chef Yisus, host of cooking segment on "Despierta América," a morning show on Spanish-language television.

Helping customers get back to business

PepsiCo Foodservice partners with customers in channels from restaurants and hotels, to hospitals and schools and beyond. As the foodservice industry and consumers figure out how to adjust to the new landscape, PepsiCo is launching a resource web page on PepsiCoPartners.com to help operators every step of the way whether it's reopening their doors, reimagining their businesses or setting the stage for future growth. 

Image courtesy of PepsiCo Foodservice.