News Category: Community Impact

Grubhub and JOCO Officially Open Hub for Delivery Workers in NYC

In April, Grubhub announced a series of new initiatives that aim to support delivery workers while making e-bike usage safer and more sustainable in New York City – with one key  initiative being a formal partnership with delivery e-bike rental platform, JOCO. This week, we officially unveiled a new, centrally-located co-branded hub – JOCO Concierge Sponsored by Grubhub – to kick off our pilot program and provide NYC delivery workers a place to recharge both their e-bikes and themselves. 

While many New Yorkers plan to slow things down as summer approaches, we know delivery workers will be working as hard as ever. We recognize the work our delivery partners do is absolutely critical to helping Grubhub serve our diners. They help us ensure hungry diners across the city get the food they want, when they want it, how they want it – every time. Providing a place where our NYC delivery workers can take care of themselves and their equipment is an important step in continuing to invest in our partners and everything they do for Grubhub and our diners.  

Mayor Eric Adams helps open JOCO Concierge sponsored by Grubhub in Soho. (Yuan Images for Grubhub)

Starting today,  Grubhub bikers with active JOCO credits can make a pitstop at the facility located at 259 Bowery in Soho during the peak hours of 12:00-8:00 pm to take advantage of a host of amenities. From battery swapping and bike rentals to complimentary delivery gear and essential amenities like restroom facilities and phone charging stations, the new Grubhub x JOCO hub is a one-stop shop for all delivery rider needs, providing riders with a safe and seamless experience on the job. With the launch of the JOCO Concierge sponsored by Grubhub, we aim to empower delivery workers in one convenient hub. 

JOCO Concierge sponsored by Grubhub (Yuan Images for Grubhub)

“When it comes to our delivery partners, of course safety is absolutely key, and that’s why this hub from Grubhub and JOCO combines elements like safe battery exchange with amenities that help riders rest and recharge,” said Amy Perlik Healy, vice president of Government Relations at Grubhub. “This is an evolving effort for us, and Grubhub is continually working with important partners like JOCO as well as city leaders to explore new ways to support delivery workers and communities across New York City.”

JOCO Concierge sponsored by Grubhub (Yuan Images for Grubhub)

And, starting next week, Grubhub will offer monthly credits to our top tier bikers that deliver in Manhattan, giving them free access to more than a thousand safety-certified JOCO e-bikes. Grubhub riders will also have access to more than 55 additional JOCO hubs for continuous safe e-bike storage, battery exchange, and delivery rider gear. Currently spread across Manhattan and Queens with plans to add new locations soon, the hubs will serve as the only rest stops available to NYC’s more than 60,000 delivery workers.

“We’re thrilled to work with Grubhub and bring the JOCO Concierge sponsored by Grubhub to life,” said Jonathan Cohen, co-founder of JOCO. “Through this hub and our initial phase of the program, we’ll be able to provide Grubhub delivery workers with access to safer, more sustainable e-bikes while giving them the unique opportunity to take advantage of a state-of-the-art facility with gear and amenities. We’re excited to launch this alongside our other hubs around New York and look forward to expanding across all boroughs to continue to provide for delivery workers throughout all of New York.”

Grubhub’s partnership with JOCO is just one piece of our broader E-Bike Lifecycle safety program. In addition, a $100,000 grant from the Grubhub Community Fund is helping to support the FDNY Foundation’s fire safety campaign which includes educational resources on the safe handling of lithium ion batteries. The safety of our drivers is important to us, and we continue to work with NYC leaders, the FDNY, and our industry partners to collectively inform delivery workers and the broader public about safe e-bike use. 

 

Grubhub’s ‘Serving the City’ Program Expands to Company’s Hometown of Chicago to Provide Meals to Communities in Need and Help Close the Hunger Gap

This expansion builds on Grubhub’s larger community impact commitments to kick off the new year

CHICAGO, Feb. 27, 2023 — On Tuesday, February 21st, Grubhub officially launched the expansion of its ‘Serving the City’ program to Chicago, the company’s hometown. The program kicked off with its first event at three senior centers in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, a historically under-resourced community on the city’s west side, in partnership with 24th Ward Alderwoman Monique Scott and local restaurants, Soulé and The Soulfood Lounge. 

With the Serving the City initiative, Grubhub partners with local aldermen to purchase 500 hot, prepackaged, culturally appropriate meals directly from local restaurants for onsite meal distribution events at housing authorities, senior centers, veterans’ residences, and other community-based organizations. The program further allows Grubhub the opportunity to act on its commitment to support local restaurants and give back to communities that need it most.  

“The impact of this project is important to me because it addresses the food insecurities we have with our seniors, and having the opportunity to feed them during a time when they possibly can’t do it for themselves. I’m so excited to let them taste delicious food from fine dining restaurants that exist within their community. Many of them are on a fixed income and might not take advantage of dining outside of their own kitchen,” said Alderwoman Monique Scott.

Soulé, one of the first sit-down restaurants in North Lawndale in decades, partners with Grubhub’s Serving the City program

Following this kickoff event, the program will continue to run throughout the year with the goal of partnering with restaurants and delivering meals to communities in need across Chicago’s 50 wards in partnership with local aldermen.

“I came from a family that inspired my love of cooking and taught me the importance of community. When I opened my restaurant, Soulé, I knew I wanted to make a difference through food. In partnering with Grubhub’s Serving the City, I’ve been able to give back and drive change in my community through what I love to do most,” said Bridgette Flaggs, owner of Soulé in North Lawndale. Soulé is one of the first sit-down restaurants that has opened in North Lawndale in the last decades – a neighborhood historically considered a food desert. 

Last year, Serving the City launched in New York City to help address food insecurity and support local, independent restaurants. The program aims to address the lasting effects of the pandemic and the increased cost of food with inflation that has impacted communities and restaurants in cities nationwide. Since July 2022, this initiative has served more than 17,500 meals to food insecure families in partnership with 40 restaurants, with the goal of serving more than 25,000 meals to communities in New York City alone. 

“It’s exciting for Grubhub to kick off our Serving the City program right here in Chicago. After the impactful year we had serving meals to communities in New York City, we knew we could make a real difference in our hometown and give back to the city we call home. We’re looking forward to expanding across Chicago to help as many people and restaurants as we can,” said Dave Tovar, Grubhub SVP of Communications and Government Relations.

According to Northwestern University economists, one in five households in the Chicago metro area experiences food insecurity, including one in four families with children. As Grubhub expands the program to address the needs of its home city, it’s continuing to prioritize alleviating food insecurity in communities in need. Beyond Chicago and New York City, Grubhub also plans to expand their program nationwide as part of a larger commitment to help close the hunger gap. Grubhub‘s other focus areas for the year ahead include supporting independent restaurants and creating opportunities for people in the hospitality industry. 

Chicago Alderwoman Monique Scott partners with Grubhub’s Serving the City program

For more information about Grubhub’s Serving the City and other community impact programs, visit https://about.grubhub.com/community/programs/.

# # #

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting more than 32 million diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 320,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

Grubhub Celebrates $22 Million to Communities Nationwide in 2022

Proud to drive meaningful change through partnerships with more than 34 nonprofit organizations and continue expanding impact in 2023

By Dave Tovar
SVP Communications & Government Relations

Last year marked an important evolution in Grubhub’s philanthropic efforts. As the food service industry reset post-pandemic, we had the opportunity to rethink how we support the people and communities where we operate. We followed through with the philanthropic commitments made in 2021, and we added new partners, resulting in more than $22 million going to support more than 350 communities across the country. 

Our new vision includes three focus areas: supporting independent restaurants, working to close the hunger gap, and creating more opportunities for people in the hospitality industry. In 2022, 87 percent of our philanthropic resources supported this work. We are continuing to evolve as we enter 2023, partnering and supporting collective action on issues that face our industry and the communities in which we operate. Taking key learnings from existing partnerships, we continue to prioritize impact and identify new ways that we can not only direct philanthropic support, but also leverage our business to drive meaningful change. 

Grubhub's National Impact 2022

As we start a new year, I want to highlight some of the impactful work happening in communities across the country, including:

  • Supporting 34 national and regional nonprofit organizations* facilitating work in our three focus areas through the Grubhub Community Fund. These partners make up a network of more than 400 organizations providing access to essential needs like food, access to capital, and access to opportunities to drive mobility and impact.  
  • Addressing the growing hunger gap caused by food insecurity and distributing 527,902 meals and 2.8 million pounds of food through 14 nonprofit partnerships funded by the Grubhub Community Fund. Even better, more than 70% of the food distributed came from food recovery programs which means it would have otherwise gone to waste.
  • Providing an additional 17,500 meals purchased from local independent restaurants to serve families and individuals living in housing authorities, senior centers, and veterans’ residences in 35 districts across the five boroughs of New York City through our Serving the City program.
  • Granting 20 drivers with $10,000 each to make a positive impact on their community. 
  • Amplifying the impact of our employees and matching 432 employee donations to local nonprofits across the country.
  • Aiding in rapid response through the Grubhub Community Fund, which provided $1,250,000 in Ukraine support to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and World Central Kitchen and providing $100,000 in support to Bronxworks, Inc. to help 120 families re-establish housing following the devastating Bronx fire. We also provided $25,000 in aid to Feedmore Western New York as they worked to provide support to the communities devastated by the mass shooting in Buffalo, NY. 

More than ever, we are focused on what it means to make a difference and drive impact as we execute against our new vision. The stories of the individuals, families and communities impacted by our efforts continue to inspire us, and I would like to share some special stories with you.

Supporting Independent Restaurants 

Creating access to capital and business development opportunities for local, family-owned businesses is at the core of our goals for independent restaurant-focused philanthropic support. In addition to our continued relationship with the Greg Hill Foundation’s Restaurant Strong Fund, we also partnered with diverse business organizations to drive programs and opportunities for AAPI-, Black-, Hispanic- and LBGTQ+- owned restaurants. These efforts, supported by the Grubhub Community Fund, have helped local independent establishments close gaps in payroll, replace broken equipment and update kitchens, and market their spaces. This also includes providing winterization grants which enabled 70 restaurants in New York, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia to adapt to the colder months and expand outdoor areas. For example:

  • Elena Barcenes of Rincón Salvadoreño is the proud owner of New York City’s first Salvadorean Restaurant serving the community since 1980. Elena’s restaurant is family-owned and operated, and they were hit hard in recent years. She used the Grubhub grant to keep her staff employed during the lean months and shared, “I have fought my hardest to keep my doors open. I am a minority woman fighting to contribute to society by offering jobs and serving our Jamaica Community”. 
  • Zachary Lucchese-Soto of Bluebird Café in Chicago is using the Winterization funds to keep his patio open during the frigid weather. The patio is the restaurant’s lifeblood and accounts for 50% of their overall seating and by keeping it open year-round, his business can thrive no matter the weather conditions.

Already in the works in 2023, we are supporting 130 new winterization grants and continuing our partnerships with our diverse business partners, prioritizing equitable access to opportunity across the programs we support. 

Working to Close the Hunger Gap

Since the launch of Donate the Change in 2018, allowing diners to round up their total to the nearest dollar at checkout and donate to charitable causes, we have worked to identify partnerships and initiatives focused on closing the hunger gap across the country. In 2022, we successfully expanded our efforts by not only supporting the direct distribution of ready-to-eat meals and groceries to individuals and families in need, but also narrowed in on identifying new opportunities to drive impact. Collectively this resulted  in more than 545,000 meals, 2.8 million pounds of food, and geographic expansion of the food recovery programs we support. Our newest endeavor leverages our ordering platform to provide those experiencing food insecurity access to meals through our partnership with Bento.

We’ve also embarked on new ways to support collective action. In June 2022, we launched our Serving the City program in New York City. Through this program, Grubhub works in tandem with local restaurants and New York City Council members to address food insecurity, positioning us to understand specific needs in the community and then partner with local restaurants to purchase and provide culturally-appropriate meals where they are most needed. In 2022, we purchased 17,500 meals which were provided to individuals and families living within housing authorities, senior centers, and veterans’ residences in 35 districts across the five boroughs of New York City.

  • Councilwoman Julie Menin, Chair of the City Council Small Business Committee, and Grubhub purchased 500 meals from family-owned restaurant Mansion Diner and distributed them to area residents at The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center. Councilwoman Menin noted that “This is an excellent partnership between community leaders, small businesses and an online food ordering company. By partnering with our local restaurants, Grubhub is truly committing dedicated resources to combating hunger in New York City.”
  • Councilwoman Linda Lee joined Grubhub to deliver 250 meals to seniors at Commonpoint Queens in Little Neck and homebound seniors at Deepdale CARES NORC. Following the visit, Danielle Ellman, CEO of Commonpoint shared, “With more than one in 10 seniors facing food insecurity, programs like these are literally saving lives by getting healthy meals to our most vulnerable. Thank you to Grubhub and Council member Lee for their support in helping older adults age with dignity.”

Creating More Opportunities for People in the Hospitality Industry

Supporting those working within the hospitality industry, especially our delivery partners, remains a focus for Grubhub. In 2022, we kicked off a second year of grants to directly support our delivery partners looking to drive meaningful change in their communities. The recipients of our Driver Grant Program continue to do amazing work in their communities. For example, our New York City driver, Galliano, used his $10,000 grant to support youth in his community by providing them with school supplies and nutritious before-and-after-school snacks to help keep students engaged in learning. Chicago based driver, Symone, is also using the grant to support two local nonprofit organizations, Nourishing Hope and the Telpochcalli Community Education Project. Symone is an active member of the Telphochalli Community education fund, which mobilizes youth for social justice work by building individual capacity and mutual responsibility through culturally relevant and community-directed education. She’s also using a portion of the grant to continue her own schooling.

Additionally, the Grubhub Community Fund supported several new partnerships focused on job training, job placement and work that champions removing barriers to opportunity within the hospitality industry via collective action. To date, we have partnered with The Hospitality Project, Momentum Advisory Collective, and Women in Hospitality United. As our newest focus area, we know there is more work to be done and we look forward to identifying new opportunities where we can expand our impact. 

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to 2023, we’re focused on creating more impact in the communities we serve, in ways Grubhub is uniquely positioned to do. We believe in supporting independent restaurants to positively impact communities, using technology and our network to help close the widening hunger gap, and creating opportunities in the hospitality industry.

*See here for a full list of the 34 Grubhub Community Fund partners awarded a grant in 2022:

  • ACE Foundation
  • Bronxworks Inc.
  • East Central Illinois Refugee Mutual Assistance Center (The Refugee Center)
  • Ethiopian Community Association of Chicago
  • Feed the Soul Foundation
  • Feedmore Western New York
  • Food Bank for NYC
  • Greater Boston Food Bank
  • Greg Hill Foundation – Restaurant Strong Fund
  • Heartland Human Care Services, Inc.
  • Hospitality Project Inc 
  • JCFS Chicago (HIAS)
  • Junior League of Kansas City Mo Inc.
  • Madison Square Boys and Girls Club
  • MEANS Database
  • Momentum Advisory Collective (Cafe Momentum)
  • NGLCC Foundation
  • Nourish PHX
  • Nourishing Hope
  • Piatt Family Foundation
  • Plant Powered Metro New York
  • Queens Center for Progress
  • Rescuing Leftover Cuisine
  • Star House Foundation
  • Tacombi Foundation
  • UNHCR (The UN Refugee Agency)
  • Union League Boys and Girls Club of Chicago
  • US Black Chambers CEDC
  • Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens
  • Women in Hospitality United
  • World Central Kitchen
  • World Relief Chicago
  • World Relief Quad Cities
  • Youth Guidance

The Grubhub Community Fund is a donor advised fund at a national sponsoring organization. The Grubhub Community Fund is made possible through donations from our customers through our Donate the Change feature. Grubhub matches contributions on eligible orders from our Grubhub+ members.

$1.5 Million in New Grants Will Support LGBTQ+-Owned and Allied Restaurants

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce Teams Up with Grubhub For Another Year of Grants to Aid in Growth and Development

Washington, DC — America’s LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and bars serving food will once again find a vital lifeline this year stemming from the ongoing partnership formed by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the business voice of the LGBTQ+ community and certifying body for LGBTQ+-owned businesses nationwide, and Grubhub, a leading U.S. food-ordering and delivery marketplace.

Today the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce opened applications for the NGLCC Community Impact Grant Program, a program made possible by a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. The grants are expected to range from $10,000 to $25,000 and funds can be used for things like updating security and security protocols, updating/purchasing new equipment, community involvement, marketing and PR services, updating digital/e-commerce presence, purchasing product, staff training programs, employee pay and/or staff incentivized wages, COVID-19 recovery, and maintenance/updating of current infrastructure.

“We often say at NGLCC that if you can buy it, an LGBTQ+-owned business can supply it,” said NGLCC Co-Founder & President Justin Nelson. “That is especially true of the LGBTQ+-owned restaurants and establishments across America who kept our communities and first responders fed throughout the pandemic and have been so active in the recovery. We’re proud to again partner with Grubhub, with the support from the Grubhub Community Fund, in offering grants to support businesses throughout the nation this round with an even wider scope of opportunities for grant utilization to help them succeed.”

“NGLCC has been an incredible partner to Grubhub, and it was a no-brainer to renew this program which has supported so many LGBTQ+-owned businesses across the country,” said Dave Tovar, Grubhub’s senior vice president of Communications and Government Relations. “We’ve heard so many stories of how independent restaurants have used these grants to do amazing things for their business and in their communities, and I’m excited to see what new and exciting things come out of the next group of grant recipients.”

Once again, under the innovative grant program, the NGLCC has set a goal to allocate 30 percent of the funds to businesses owned by people of color and transgender and gender expansive (TGX) individuals. Between now and March 2023, NGLCC will roll the grant program out regionally, with applications for East Coast establishments launching on January 24, 2023 through February 14, 2023. Applications for the Central US will open in February 2023, and those for the West Coast will roll out in March 2023. Restaurants wishing to learn more about applying for grants should visit nglcc.org/ghgrant.

The NGLCC’s network of more than fifty Affiliate Chambers across America will once again help amplify this grant opportunity to support local restaurants. Those local chambers will again benefit from this initiative’s Affiliate Chamber Fund. In addition to supporting local efforts to share the grant opportunity, this fund has and will continue to enable any establishment that receives a grant that is not currently a member of an NGLCC local affiliate chamber to have one year of membership paid.

For more information on the Community Impact Grant Program regarding restaurant eligibility requirements, timelines, how to apply, and more, please visit www.nglcc.org/ghgrant.

# # #

About NGLCC

The National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is the business voice of the LGBT community and is the largest global advocacy organization specifically dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBT people. NGLCC is the exclusive certification body for LGBT-owned businesses, known as Certified LGBT Business Enterprise® (Certified LGBTBE®) suppliers.
www.nglcc.org @nglcc

About Grubhub

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), a leading global online food delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

Grubhub Applauds Congressional Passage of Food Donation Improvement Act (FDIA) as Pivotal in Fight Against Food Insecurity

FDIA clarifies existing food donation laws, making it easier for restaurants & businesses to fight waste and give excess food directly to those in need 

WASHINGTON –  Following years of advocacy on the Hill, Grubhub today praised Congress for passing the Food Donation Improvement Act (FDIA), which strengthens existing laws for food donations, helps prevent food waste and opens the door for  relief to be provided directly to the millions of Americans who are experiencing food insecurity. The legislation builds upon the codified Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act by expanding and clarifying liability protections so that companies can directly donate safe quality foods without litigation fears. 

“The Food Donation Improvement Act will bring all businesses, ranging from large corporations to small and independent restaurants, into the fight against food insecurity,” said Amy Healy, vice president of government affairs at Grubhub. “With billions of dollars of food going to waste each year – even with hunger on the rise – it’s well past time to clarify America’s laws around food donation. We applaud our partners in government on both sides of the aisle for sending this essential legislation to President Biden’s desk.” 

As part of its effort to diminish food insecurity, Grubhub has been a vocal supporter of the Food Donation Improvement Act, meeting with more than 50 Congressional offices on both sides of the aisle to build support and garner cosponsors. The company joined Members of Congress and other corporate partners including WW and the Harvard Law School Food Law and Policy Clinic on the Hill this summer for educational briefings and advocacy training and was among the three original signers of an open letter calling on Congress to pass the FDIA. 

About Grubhub 

Grubhub is part of Just Eat Takeaway.com (LSE: JET, AMS: TKWY), and is a leading U.S. food ordering and delivery marketplace. Dedicated to connecting diners with the food they love from their favorite local restaurants, Grubhub elevates food ordering through innovative restaurant technology, easy-to-use platforms and an improved delivery experience. Grubhub features more than 365,000 restaurant partners in over 4,000 U.S. cities.

Announcing Grant Recipients of AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund: 73 AAPI-Owned Small Businesses Win Grants of Up to $100,000

Grants supported by the Grubhub Community Fund and distributed by National ACE have been awarded to entrepreneurs across the country to boost AAPI small business recovery

CHICAGO and WASHINGTON, DC – Grubhub, a leading food-delivery marketplace, and the National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) announced that 73 Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI)-owned  restaurants have been awarded grants of $25,000, made possible with a grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. In addition, three finalists were awarded $100,000 grants each live on-stage at the AAPISTRONG Annual Conference in September.

The AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund is intended to provide relief to AAPI small business owners in the restaurant industry, amidst an extended period of unforeseeable and unprecedented economic and social volatility. In 2022, the restaurant industry has been hit hard with staffing difficulties, supply chain delays, and inventory shortages.

Krizzia Yanga, owner of the restaurant Bonifacio said, “From factory shutdowns to a scarcity of commercial truck drivers, COVID has affected not only the prices and supply of domestic products, it also made imported products nearly impossible to acquire. As an AAPI restaurant with ingredients that are imported from the Philippines and other Asian countries, the travel restrictions, staff shortages in the logistics industry, and rising cost of transportations have made it difficult for us to maintain fair prices and stay true to cooking authentic Filipino flavors.”

Above: Krizzia Yang, Owner, Bonifacio, Columbus, Ohio

Bonifacio was one of the AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund finalists, and received $100,000 from the fund. “We are the first full-service and longest standing Filipino restaurant in Columbus and while we have made a name for ourselves and introduced many in our community to Filipino food, it continues to to be a challenge to compete with the larger restaurant groups and chains that Columbus is inundated with, especially in a time of increased xenophobia and anti-Asian sentiment.”

Christy Lang, the owner of Smoove Ice Cream based in New York City said, “We started our business during the pandemic, so unfortunately, we didn’t qualify for any government assistant programs since our operating date was after January 2020.  Tourism has been a big part of the Chinatown small businesses, and with travel restrictions, our business has been hit dramatically in 2020 and 2021. Some big challenges that we are facing currently are inflation, supply chain disruption, and labor shortage.”

The AAPISTRONG Restaurant Fund is here to help restaurants respond to ongoing challenges such as paying employees’ wages, expanding operations, or repairing damage to the restaurant caused by discrimination or bias.

Another finalist from Hawaii, Robynne Maii, is doing everything she can to combat food insecurity on her island. “We are concerned about food security in Hawaii. If the boats stopped coming to our islands, the state would have about a two week food supply. This is scary and concerning. When we opened Fête, it was important for us to source as many products as we could, locally. 90% of our produce, eggs, meat, poultry, and seafood is sourced locally. By honoring how we source, we send a clear message to our community of where we stand. We support other local businesses to help sustain the economic flow,” said Maii.

Above: Chef Robynne Maii, Fête, Honolulu, Hawaii

These grants are designed to help AAPI-small business owners, their employees, and the communities they serve as they face continued challenges after emerging from the pandemic including inflation, decreased revenue, economic volatility, and labor shortages. They also provide an opportunity for small business owners to give back to and uplift their communities.

Roongkant Preechathammarach, a $25,000 grant recipient, shared: “I ended up donating about 500 meals to healthcare workers to various hospitals in Manhattan. I always offer 5 to 7 different opinions out of excitement to share and satisfy all these health care heroes working so hard! This month, we catered a Meals-On-Wheels event held in Tribeca serving 800 people.

Above: Roongkant Preechathammarach, owner, Lil Chef Mama, New York, New York

A national survey released by National ACE and Reimagine Main Street in May 2022 found that about 40 percent of AAPI respondents lacked confidence to fund an unplanned $5,000 business expense, and over half lacked confidence they could fund the initiatives that would propel their small business to the next level, such as a marketing campaign, increasing payroll, or purchasing property or equipment.

“Our AAPI-owned restaurants have experienced severe losses throughout the pandemic and even worse, are victims of hate, discrimination, and bias at their place of business,” said Chiling Tong, President and CEO of National ACE. “Grubhub’s ongoing commitment to AAPI-owned restaurants is demonstrated by the support they provide annually to National ACE. The contributions from Grubhub and its diners will provide hope for AAPI restaurant owners that have not been listened to or provided for.”

“Restaurants play a vital role in their communities, and Grubhub is committed to helping them have a positive impact on the people they serve,” said Dave Tovar, Grubhub’s senior vice president of Communications & Government Relations. “This grant program, which is made possible through our Grubhub Community Fund, helps alleviate some of the financial strain restaurants have experienced over the last several years – allowing them to market and grow their business and invest in new technologies. We are proud of how our partnership with National ACE for the last two years has helped AAPI-owned restaurants thrive.”

Grubhub is serving the restaurants that are serving New York City

The Nourish Spot opened in Jamaica, Queens with the goal of introducing healthy food options to the local community. Today, owners Dawn and Jade partner with Grubhub to make sure people know about The Nourish Spot, not only in Southeast Queens but across New York City.

Grubhub partners with restaurants like The Nourish Spot to help them expand their reach. From providing marketing services to setting up online store fronts, Grubhub is there to help restaurants find new customers and serve their local communities.

 

Learn more about how Grubhub gives back to the communities where we operate.

 

Supporting the Safe Spaces that Restaurants Create for the LGBTQ+ Community

In 2021, $2.1 Million in Grants, made possible by the Grubhub Community Fund, supported LGBTQ+ and Allied Restaurants and Establishments

By Justin Nelson, Co-Founder & President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce

Bars and restaurants have long served as safe spaces for historically marginalized LGBTQ+ people. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made it increasingly difficult for these independent restaurants and bars to stay in business.

Thanks to support from the Grubhub Community Fund and Grubhub diners through its Donate the Change program, NGLCC distributed nearly $2.1 million in grants to over 100 LGBTQ+ and allied restaurants in 2021. To help ensure we reached a wide range of grant applicants, we partnered with over 30 LGBTQ+ Affiliate Chambers across the country who shared the opportunity within their respective communities.

Building on last year’s success, we are continuing our partnership with Grubhub in 2022 with the support of a $2.1 million grant from the Grubhub Community Fund. This year, we will focus the restaurant grant program on LGBTQ+ and allied restaurants and establishments in New York City, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Denver, and Portland, as well as cities throughout California.

The gratitude expressed by last year’s grant recipients was extremely heartwarming and reminds us why the work we do is so important to the LGBTQ+ community. And, equally as important, why continuing the work is a high priority.

Penny Baldado, Owner of Cafe Gabriela in Oakland, California

“As a trans-masculine and queer, immigrant person of color, I’ve worked hard and put all my love and energy into building a beautiful and welcoming space in Café Gabriela. I’ve remained resilient through COVID and this grant is the injection of funds that we need to continue along our journey to full recovery.”

David Perruzza, Owner of League of Her Own and Pitchers DC in Washington, D.C.

“Building community in a fun and safe place has been our mission since the very beginning. We’re relieved and thankful for these funds. This grant literally saved my business, and I can’t thank Grubhub and NGLCC enough for that reality. We are looking forward to more stable days ahead.”

Joy Crump, Founding Partner and Chef at FOODE + Mercantile in Fredericksburg, Virginia

“The past 19 months have been some of the most challenging in my career. Restaurant people are resilient people, but we are forever changed, and these funds are crucial as we continue to evolve with new technologies and tools to help us compete in this new normal.

Helping the LGBTQ+ business community thrive is core to who we are at NGLCC, and partnering with organizations like Grubhub, who shares our mission to help these independent businesses thrive, helps that mission become reality.

To learn more about Grubhub’s Community Impact programs, click here.

About the Author

As Co-Founder and President of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), Justin Nelson has the privilege of representing the LGBTQ+ business community and overseeing the largest LGBT economic advocacy and business development organization in the world. NGLCC has over 50 LGBTQ+ affiliate chambers in the United States representing America’s 1.4 million LGBTQ+ business owners.

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announces 280 Hispanic-Owned Restaurants Awarded Grants

2021-2022 Program Made Possible by Nearly $2 Million Donation from Grubhub Community Fund

Washington, D.C. — The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Education Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization affiliated with the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) announced today the names of nearly 300 Hispanic-owned restaurants awarded grants between $5,000 to $10,000.

The grant program is made possible by support from the Grubhub Community Fund. With support from Grubhub diners through its Donate The Change program, the fund provided USHCC with almost $2 million in program support in 2021.

Of the 4,500 applications received from around the country, the chosen 280 came from 28 states including Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois, and Texas, among others. The awards were given to help Hispanic restaurant owners who struggled to stabilize after the initial hit from the pandemic. With the awarded sum, these restaurants will be able to keep their doors open and continue serving their local communities. The complete list of grant recipients is included below.

“In Hispanic households, great food and conversation are what bring people together. We’re so proud to be honoring 280 small businesses with grants that can really make an impact on the lives of the owners and their surrounding neighborhoods,” explain Ramiro Cavazos, President and CEO of the USHCC. He continues, “The grantees come from diverse parts of the country and even more diverse backgrounds, which is emblematic of the 60+ million Hispanics found throughout the United States.”

“USHCC’s ability to reach so many small businesses, particularly the 280 independent restaurants that received grants last year through this program, makes it an invaluable partner for Grubhub,” said Dave Tovar, senior vice president of Communications & Government Relations at Grubhub. “Throughout the U.S., there are more than 50,000 Mexican restaurants alone that serve all types of Americans. As these restaurants rebuild and expand their kitchens and staff, we’re happy to be a part of their growth and success.”

Since 2017, the number of Hispanic-owned businesses has grown 3%, where Hispanic-owned businesses now make up almost 6% of all businesses. Today, the U.S. Hispanic population has a buying power of $1.9 trillion, nationwide, representing a key demographic in the country’s economy.

###

USHCC Logo

About USHCC

The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC) actively promotes the economic growth, development, and interests of five million Hispanic-owned businesses that, combined, contribute over $800 billion to the American economy every year. The USHCC is America’s largest small business advocacy group, representing more than 260 local chambers and business associations nationwide, and partners with hundreds of major American corporations. For more information, please visit ushcc.com. Follow USHCC on Twitter @USHCC.

View List of Grant Recipients

Grubhub’s ‘Serving the City’ Will Offer More Than 25,000 Meals to Communities in Need Across NYC

Bringing together local leaders, independent restaurants and community organizations, new program addresses recent surge in food insecurity

NEW YORK — Continued fallout from the pandemic and the rise in grocery prices due to inflation means more New Yorkers are facing food insecurity, and Grubhub’s Serving the City is partnering with members of the New York City Council to help address the need. Launching tomorrow, the program will run for at least 16 weeks and expects to deliver 25,000 meals to communities in need across each of the City Council’s 51 districts.

“Grubhub launched Serving the City to help address the surge in food insecurity which is up 36% citywide—and 46% among children,” said Adam DeWitt, Grubhub CEO. “And as with every community-first initiative, locking arms with local leaders helps ensure we maximize our impact by focusing on those who need it most. We’re off to an amazing start, and we can’t wait to roll this program out across the entire city as soon as possible.”

Tomorrow, at an event with Speaker Adrienne Adams (District 28), Serving the City will bring 500 meals from Unique Eats to two senior residences: Calvary Baptist Senior Housing (CALBAC) and Northeastern Towers Annex. 

“Food insecurity remains a challenge for many New Yorkers, including residents who live in District 28,” said Speaker Adrienne Adams. “Small businesses and restaurants are also struggling to recover from the pandemic, and need support from community partners. Grubhub’s new Serving the City initiative will bring together elected officials, local eateries, and residents to deliver meals to those who need it most. I thank Grubhub, Unique Eats, Calvary Baptist Senior Housing, Northeastern Towers Annex, and other partners throughout New York City for being part of this new innovative program.”

Last month, Grubhub kicked off a pilot of the program with Council Member Julie Menin (District 5), purchasing 500 meals from family-owned restaurant Mansion Diner and distributing them to area residents at The Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center. Additionally, in coordination with Council Member Majorie Velazquez (District 13), Grubhub purchased 500 meals from Havana Cafe that were distributed at the Throggs Neck Community Alliance. 

“Grubhub’s Serving the City initiative is an excellent partnership between community leaders, small businesses and an online food ordering company,” said Council Member Julie Menin, Chair of the City Council Small Business Committee. “By partnering with our local restaurants, GrubHub is truly committing dedicated resources to combating hunger in New York City.”

Photo of New York City Council Member Julie Menin (District 5) distributes meals at The Stanley M. Isaacs Center on May 25, 2022.
New York City Council Member Julie Menin (District 5) distributes meals at The Stanley M. Isaacs Center on May 25, 2022.

Over the next three months, Grubhub’s Serving the City will work with Council Members to help identify locations for meal distribution including housing authorities, senior centers and community organizations in their district. Local, independent restaurants will provide more than 500 meals at one or more distribution events per district. 

The COVID-19 pandemic and recent rise in grocery prices have increased food insecurity across the nation, impacting nearly 1.5 million New Yorkers, including one in four children. 

“The Isaacs Center is proud to partner with Grubhub, Council Member Julie Menin and the Mansion Diner in taking one more step towards eliminating hunger and food security in our community,” said Roderick L. Jones, president of the Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center.

Serving the City is the latest effort from Grubhub to help close the hunger gap. The company is a leading supporter of the Food Donation Improvement Act, which encourages companies to donate surplus food and grocery products to nonprofits by providing civil and criminal liability protection to food donors and food recovery organizations. Grubhub also partners with organizations fighting food insecurity, including Food Bank for NYC, Boys and Girls Clubs, and Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, a food rescue non-profit headquartered in New York City that purchases meals from minority and women-owned restaurants that are donated back into the community to food insecure families. Grubhub Community Fund grants to these and other related organizations totaled more than $2 million in 2021.

For more information about Grubhub’s Community Impact programs, visit https://about.grubhub.com/community/programs/.

Supporting Voices

“Grubhub’s Serving The City is taking bold initiative in combating the food insecurity that has been exacerbated by the pandemic,” said Council Member Marjorie Velázquez. “I was thrilled to partner with them and local restaurant Havana Café to provide meals and produce at Throggs Neck Community Alliance.”

“We were so excited to partner with Grubhub’s Serving the City program, along with Council Member Marjorie Velazquez, to provide nutritious and delicious meals from a local favorite restaurant, Havana Cafe,” said Angela Torres, director of Throggs Neck Community Alliance. “The pandemic and current inflation conditions have further weighed upon our community in the Bronx, but these meals were a welcome treat that brought nutrition and hope into the lives of our residents. On behalf of Throggs Neck Community Alliance, we extend our gratitude and cannot wait to see this project continue to make a profound impact.”

“Food insecurity is something that quite frankly is unacceptable in a city and, for that matter, a country like ours,” said John Phillips, 3rd generation owner of The Mansion Diner. “Millions of pounds of food are thrown in the garbage every single year, which is why we jumped at the chance to partner with NYC’s largest food delivery service to give back to the community which supports us all.”

“Upon opening Unique Eats NYC, it has been my mission to provide healthier, more diverse food options for the community,” said Chef Uniqua Grant, owner of Unique Eats NYC. “We pride ourselves on serving fresh, locally-sourced products which are always made to order! It’s an honor to Serve The City.”