Here’s How To Support Local Restaurants

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The Great American Takeout

The news around the COVID-19 outbreak is constantly changing, but information about food safety and how to keep yourself healthy is crucial right now. Here is a comprehensive list on the foods you should be stocking up on during this period of social distancing, as well as information about your local grocery stores’ changing hours, an explanation of “no-contact delivery,” and a guide on how to help your community and its businesses throughout closures.


The food industry has been hit hard by the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak, as people are urged to social distance and some cities and states are requiring restaurants to shift to a “to-go only” model. Though this is an important step to slow the spread of coronavirus, it can be devastating financially. In an effort to support restaurants in this trying time, one group has urged customers to order food today and tell others to do the same.

It’s called The Great American Takeout, and it’s super easy to participate. All you have to do, really, is order at least one take-out or delivery meal from your favorite spot (or just whatever you’re in the mood for that day…). Organizers are also hoping you’ll spread the word by announcing your plans to order out, encouraging friends to do the same, and by taking a photo of your meal, all using the #thegreatamericantakeout.

Tons of restaurants are participating in the call, including Panera Bread, Noodles & Company, The Cheesecake Factory, IHOP, Applebee’s, Primanti Brothers, California Pizza Kitchen, and Black Bear Diner. You can order from any restaurant you want, though, and it’s especially encouraged that you support local restaurants.

“This is no longer about the survival of individual restaurants,” said CEO of The Habit Burger Grill Russ Bendel: “It’s about the future of our industry. And time has run out. Together, we must act to support each other and our communities in unprecedented ways.”

This is a great time to note that ordering take-out or delivery during the COVID-19 outbreak is safe with a few precautions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, there is little evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted through food or packaging.

But you can opt for contactless delivery to keep you and your delivery driver safer. You should also be sure to wash your hands before and after receiving the food, as well as before eating. Oh, and be sure to tip well too. Learn more about being safe when ordering take-out here.

There is a lot you can do for local restaurants and restaurant workers once you finish your take-out (and leftovers!) tonight, too. Look into ordering gift cards, donate to restaurant worker relief funds, order merchandise, and keep ordering take-out and delivery beyond today.

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