Where are you ordering from?
March 24 is the Great American Takeout, a national initiative to support the struggling food industry during the coronavirus crisis. Americans are encouraged to order food from their favorite local restaurants for pick-up or delivery. What are your dinner plans tonight? We’ll be ordering in.
Tons of restaurants across Chicago are taking part in the #GreatAmericanTakeout today, some of which are offering special deals like discounts or freebies. For instance, Gibsons Italia is offering their menu at 50%!
When ordering dinner tonight, consider supporting local restaurants instead of national chains. Independently-owned businesses have fewer resources and funds available to them than big chains, so consider helping your fellow Chicagoan rather than Wendy’s or Pizza Hut.
Another thing you can do for small food businesses is to tip generously. Restaurant workers are facing some of the highest numbers of layoffs and pay cuts right now. Let them know you care by giving a large tip. However, don’t tip in cash, as the coronavirus can be spread through exchanging paper money and coins. If possible, pay over the phone or through a delivery app with your credit card and add the tip that way.
🎶👩🏻🎤🎸From our people, reminding you "It's Time For Takeout!" — Join #TheGreatAmericanTakeout nationwide today and help support restaurants (and their workers) in your community by doing your part, ordering takeout or delivery today — and hey, don't skimp on dessert! #BeTheChange pic.twitter.com/3QFWagsyph
— BTC Revolutions (@BTCrevolutions) March 24, 2020
You can also ask delivery drivers to leave your meal at your door instead of handing it to you in person. This limits contact and protects both you and food workers. Some apps like Postmates have a “contactless delivery” option built into the ordering system. If your delivery app doesn’t or you’re ordering over the phone, make a note to your driver that you prefer they drop off your meal at the door.
Once you get your meal, throw away the packaging and wash your hands before eating. While the CDC has said that COVID-19 is unlikely to be passed through food, contraction could occur after touching to-go containers and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Be careful and use your own plates and silverware when eating.
Takeout for a cause!
For every social post today tagged #thegreatamericantakeout, @SmithfieldFoods will make a $5 donation, up to $100,000, to @COREGives, supporting food & beverage service employees and their families who are directly impacted by a COVID-19 diagnosis.
— #thegreatamericantakeout (@TheGATakeout) March 24, 2020
Where are you ordering from tonight? Share it on social media with the hashtag #GreatAmericanTakeout and Smithfield Foods will make a $5 donation for each post up to $100,000 to Children of Restaurant Employees (CORE), a nonprofit helping those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.
Feature photo: @riverroastchi