General Mills Foodservice has announced that efforts are underway to help support the restaurant industry, including a $100,000 donation to the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund (RERF) to help restaurant workers facing hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis. The fund, launched by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), goes directly to impacted restaurant workers who have lost their jobs and livelihood due to COVID-19.

“With the support of General Mills, we can help thousands of restaurant workers by offering financial aid during this incredibly difficult time,” says Rob Gifford, president of the NRAEF. “General Mills’ commitment to our relief fund demonstrates their compassion for restaurant workers everywhere and the communities they serve.”

“This is a crisis that impacts so many of our customers, including the independent, local and beloved restaurants that play such a vital role in our communities,” says Alyca Judge, senior marketing manager for General Mills Foodservice. “Through our donation, we hope to provide some relief to the displaced workers who are the heart and soul of the restaurant industry and show our support during these challenging times.”

Additionally, General Mills Foodservice recently rolled out a series of efforts to rally support for restaurants and drive business, including:

Tools and Tips for Takeout – Several resources, from recipe ideas to social media tips, to help restaurants achieve success with takeout and delivery

#TogetherWeBrunch – A social media campaign and toolkit with assets, a recipe guide and more to help restaurant operators leverage and promote a brunch takeout effort for their operation this spring

#FeedingtheFrontines – A toolkit to help restaurants initiate a fundraising effort to feed frontline workers at hospitals, senior living centers and schools—fueled by donations from their customers and community