Black Voices Speak Up for Their Communities

Black Voices was founded by employees of Restaurant Associates to share stories, recipes and cultures of all the people behind the food. Kicking off during Black History Month in February and supported year-round, this storytelling initiative initially focused on reaching those within the walls of the cafe and now extends to meaningful community outreach.

The Black Voices at Restaurant Associates Community Involvement Group supports local food banks and other related non-profits through volunteers and product contributions. Throughout the years, Black Voices assisted underserved populations across New York and New Jersey.

Volunteers supported New York Common Pantry by assembling packages of produce and shelf-stable items for the Choice Pantry in Harlem. Eighty-two families received groceries. Another 1,600 people facing food insecurity in NYC were served a hot meal. More than 55% of the individuals in those households were children or seniors.

In honor of Juneteenth, the Black Voices Community Involvement Group distributed bags of groceries, baby items and feminine hygiene products to families in need at the Dvine Konektion Food Pantry in New Jersey. A total of 102 families, representing 416 people, received critical items.

Restaurant Associates strives to make a difference in the communities where it operates. Over the past year, the company has been proactive in supporting local food pantries by donating excess food products to organizations helping feed the hungry. This employee-driven corporate giving has the dual benefit of assisting those in need while also reducing food waste.

The philanthropy and associate volunteerism efforts at Restaurant Associates extend to underserved students. This year, Restaurant Associates employees participated in a school-supply drive in New York and New Jersey. The team collected enough items to help 233 students in need ranging from grades K to 9.

“When we CARE, we connect, anticipate, respect and exceed,” says Serena Crutchfield, VP of Marketing. “It’s a part of our DNA at Restaurant Associates.”

The Race Equity Advocacy Council, along with the Marketing and Culinary departments, founded the Black Voices heritage program in support of their overarching ‘culture of CARE.’