The restaurant industry is the second-largest private-sector employer in Missouri and the nation. With more than 11,000 locations across the state, Missouri’s restaurants employ an estimated 300,300 people. As the restaurant industry has been devastated by the impact of the pandemic, many restaurant workers need financial assistance during this challenging time.

The Missouri Restaurant Association Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, organized the Missouri Restaurant Workers Benefit Fund to provide grants of assistance. The grants will be awarded on a first-come-first-served basis, subject to availability of funds. 100% of the fund’s proceeds will be used to provide grants to restaurant workers.

Restaurant workers affected by the pandemic can apply for assistance by clicking the Workers Benefit Fund tab on the homepage of the MRA website, and then selecting “REQUEST FUNDS.”

Those interested in donating to allow the Workers Benefit Fund to assist even more workers should select the DONATE FUNDS tab. Donors will receive a receipt acknowledging their contribution.