Staffing

Andrew Zimmern's supporting substance-abuse recovery for restaurant workers

Provided by Facebook

January 14, 2021

Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to foodservice workers, has added a substance abuse recovery initiative and is accepting applications from Georgia-based foodservice workers, who have recently undergone inpatient treatment for substance abuse and need help with the cost of living. In addition to financial assistance for living expenses such as rent and utility bills, the organization will also be able to make referrals to affordable inpatient facilities by early 2021, according to a company press release.

"Substance abuse is rampant in the restaurant industry, and resources to help employees recover from addiction are very limited," Andrew Zimmern, Giving Kitchen partner and Emmy- and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality and chef, said in the release. "Giving Kitchen is actively addressing this issue by reinforcing that substance abuse is an illness and making recovery a qualifying crisis for financial support and resource allocation. This is a significant step toward providing the life-changing services that are long overdue and is more important than ever during a time when the industry itself is fighting to survive."

Long hours, a fast-paced environment, demanding nature of the job and proximity to alcohol are just some of the factors contributing to drug and alcohol abuse within the service industry. This year's pandemic has intensified two of the known drivers of substance abuse and misuse: loneliness and isolation. A 2020 study, when compared to the same study in 2019, revealed that U.S. adults were three times more likely to be experiencing mental health issues, substance use disorder and suicidal ideation.

Adults 18-24 were more likely to turn to substance abuse to deal with the pandemic, and Black and Hispanic respondents reported higher rates of depression, anxiety and substance use.

"There is an overwhelming need within the food service industry to support those in recovery," Giving Kitchen Executive Director Bryan Schroeder said in the release. "Many foodservice workers are forced to choose between housing stability and addiction. When they make the brave decision to get the help they need, GK will be here with the support they deserve. We will keep the lights on and a roof overhead when they come home."

After examining the foodservice industry's high risk for substance-use disorders and continuing its commitment to supporting mental health by offering free suicide prevention training through QPR Institute, Giving Kitchen's mission to help workers in crisis has evolved to include substance abuse recovery in the organization's existing illness crisis category.

As a result, qualifying Georgia foodservice workers, who have completed time in inpatient treatment in the last six months and those considering substance abuse recovery can now ask for help. Interested applicants should start the process at givingkitchen.org/help and will be asked to provide current documentation of income and expenses as well as medical verification. Assistance will be provided only once per crisis.

Since its inception, Giving Kitchen has awarded $4 million in financial assistance to foodservice workers.