For more than 30 years the James Beard Foundation has advocated on behalf of chefs and their colleagues to make the world more sustainable, equitable and delicious for everyone. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant industry has faced a number of challenges, particularly restaurant industry workers.

As part of their ongoing COVID-19 relief efforts, the Arby’s Foundation is proud to announce a $100,000 grant to the James Beard Foundation to support a new grant program focused on Black and Indigenous Americans. The fund was created in response to the pandemic as part of the Open for Good campaign.

“The racial justice movement sparked this summer, coupled with the fact that businesses owned by Black and Brown people in this country have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic, led us to focus on supporting food and beverage businesses within the communities that had been hit the hardest this year,” said Kristopher Moon, Chief Operating Officer for the James Beard Foundation.

Grant dollars from the Arby’s Foundation will fully underwrite more than five grants, as well as support the James Beard Foundation’s efforts to administer and execute the program. The first application window is likely to open early in January and will offer 18 grants totaling $15,000 each.

When it comes to the vision for this program, Moon wants to “redefine what ‘good food’ means by intentionally creating spaces to highlight the stories, accomplishments and essential contributions of diverse communities to create a future where all have the opportunity to thrive.”

The Arby’s Foundation is proud to help the James Beard Foundation shine a light on injustices in foodservice and support efforts to ensure a more vibrant and resilient industry.