Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation Pledges $100,000 to Support Local Restaurant Employees

March 25, 2020

FORT WORTH, Texas – March 25, 2020 – This week the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation launched the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, pledging $100,000 to assist local food service professionals who are experiencing extreme hardship as a result of COVID-19’s impact on restaurants, bars and other food-focused businesses.

The foundation, which is funded largely by the annual Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival, was founded with the purpose of growing and celebrating the local culinary community. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in culinary scholarships and classroom grants to deserving recipients.

“Fort Worth’s culinary scene is made up of some of the most talented, giving and hardworking people I’ve ever met,” said Russell Kirkpatrick, Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival co-founder. “Our city wouldn’t be the same without these businesses and their employees, and this is our opportunity to serve those who’ve always stepped up to generously serve us.”

For details on how restaurant owners and general managers can apply for relief funds on behalf of their employees, or to make a direct donation to the fund, visit FWFWF.com/restaurant-relief-fund.

About Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival

The Fort Worth Food + Wine Festival is North Texas’ most celebrated cuisine and beverage festival, taking place over four days and nights in venues around our thriving culinary community. The festival’s growing roster of talented chefs and food artisans – as well as craft brewers and distinctive vintners – bring a range of tastes, styles and methods that reflect the diversity of the city itself. But it’s more than good food and good fun – it’s a good cause. Proceeds from the festival go to the Fort Worth Food + Wine Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that raises funds for local grant programs and culinary scholarships. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships to deserving students from Fort Worth. For more information about the festival and foundation, visit FWFWF.com.