Ask for Help

Start by completing the Ask for Help form on our website.

Giving Kitchen can assist food service workers who have experienced an unexpected injury, illness, death of an immediate family member, or a housing disaster (such as a flood or fire) within the past four months while working in food service.

Giving Kitchen’s Financial Assistance program provides direct assistance for rent and utility payments. It does not cover payments for cell phones, insurance, internet, cable, or similar expenses.

Anyone actively working in a restaurant, food truck, catering, cafeteria, concession stand, bar, club, taproom, or coffee shop.

Immediate family members include: children, spouse, parents, and grandparents. In-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other extended family members are not considered immediate family and are not eligible for financial assistance.

Required documentation varies depending on the type of crisis. Generally, Giving Kitchen asks for:

• A pay stub from the time of the crisis.
• Rent/mortgage and basic utility bills.
• Crisis-specific documentation:
  • Illness/Injury: A doctor’s note with a diagnosis and expected time of missed work.
  • Death of an Immediate Family Member: A death certificate and documentation that proves your relationship to the deceased (e.g., a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or other legal documentation).
  • Housing Disaster: A fire report or similar documentation.
  • Motor Vehicle Accident: A police report.

Gas stations, grocery stores, food production facilities, third-party delivery companies, and airline catering are not eligible for Giving Kitchen services.

No, Giving Kitchen does not cover medical bills.

You are eligible for up to two awards for different crises within a 365-day period. Lifetime eligibility is capped at seven awards.

Giving Kitchen case managers will reach out to you via phone, text, or email within seven business days of receiving your completed Ask for Help form.

You are eligible for our Stability Network resource referral program, which provides support for such situations.

You are eligible for our Stability Network resource referral program, which provides support for such situations.

You are eligible for our Stability Network resource referral program, which provides support for such situations.

No, Giving Kitchen does not offer in-person meetings. Please communicate with your assigned case manager via phone or email.

Yes, you are eligible for our Stability Network resource referral program, which provides support for such situations.

Yes, you are eligible for our Stability Network resource referral program, which provides support for such situations. You may also qualify for Financial Assistance if a doctor provides a note with a diagnosis and the expected time you will need to miss work to care for your sick immediate family member.

Yes, if unemployment or reduced hours have caused financial hardship, you may be eligible for assistance. Complete the Ask for Help form to determine eligibility.

The Stability Network provides referrals to community resources, such as housing assistance, mental health support, and other services to help stabilize your situation.

You are eligible to apply for financial assistance through the SURI Program after successfully completing a treatment program. You must have worked in food service before entering treatment and within the past four months.

Financial assistance is awarded through direct checks made out to your rent/mortgage or utility companies. Checks are mailed to your home for you to distribute to the billing companies. Please allow 2–6 weeks for delivery. Note: Checks are sent via USPS and do not include tracking numbers.

While Giving Kitchen does not provide direct housing assistance, our Stability Network can connect you with resources and organizations that may help with housing needs.