To support the global hospitality sector, which has been dramatically impacted by the novel coronavirus pandemic through extended closures and crippling restrictions, we launched 50 Best for Recovery – a programme to share useful resources, promote best practice and, primarily, raise funds for the industry. Here is a breakdown of how the funds raised will be funnelled back to the global restaurant and bar community
On 30th March 2020, as the Covid-19 pandemic progressively took hold of the world, we announced that The World’s 50 Best Restaurants events and list planned for June 2020 would be postponed to 2021, circumstances permitting. Instead, the 50 Best team switched its focus, resources and network on creating solutions that would provide tangible financial relief and actionable support for the community we have long been a part of.
Since then, we have launched our Restaurant Recovery Hub and Bar Recovery Hub – where we gather and generate content that offers advice, information and inspiration for the sector and for those looking to play their part in rebuilding the industry – as well as two fundraising initiatives to support our Recovery Fund, which was launched with the generous backing of founding donors S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna and Perrier.
The 50 Best ‘Bid for Recovery’ Auction, taking place from 3-12 July, offers food and travel enthusiasts the opportunity to bid for out-of-this-world gastronomic experiences donated by the restaurants, bars, chefs, bartenders and partner brands linked to 50 Best. An e-cookbook entitled Home Comforts: simple lockdown recipes from the world’s best chefs and bartenders will be unveiled to the public for download on 1st July in exchange for a $10 (£8) minimum donation to the Recovery Fund, along with access to a special social media contest.
Bartenders from around the world show their support for the 50 Best for Recovery programme
To support the 50 Best for Recovery programme in disbursing the funds raised through these initiatives, we have established the World’s 50 Best Recovery CIC, a not-for-profit community interest company that will distribute all proceeds of the Recovery Fund to restaurants, bars and non-profit organisations supporting the sector.
This will be done primarily through direct grants of up to US $5,000 per establishment. We aim to open applications to independent restaurants and bars from any country for a limited period in late July, according to a number of criteria. Keep an eye on our social media channels for the exact dates and details of how to apply over the coming weeks. We are committed to ensuring that the funds are distributed to businesses led by individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds.
The World’s 50 Best Recovery CIC has also identified a number of organisations around the world that support restaurants and their staff, as well as feed those most in need, which will be supported through donations. Below is the full list and a short description of the work of each organisation.
Lee Initiative’s Restaurant Reboot Relief Program, USA – Through its Restaurant Reboot Relief Program, the Lee Initiative is committing to buying at least $1 million worth of food from sustainable farmers in 16 regions across the US and giving that food directly to restaurants in those areas. Restaurants that have hosted relief centres in those areas will receive the food and help to select which other restaurants will receive it. The Lee Initiative also runs a Women Chef Program. leeinitiative.org
Black Urban Growers, USA – Black Urban Growers (BUGs) is a network of urban and rural farmers and gardeners, food justice advocates, community chefs, individuals and community-based organisations that builds networks and community support for growers. Through education and advocacy around food and farming issues, it nurtures collective black leadership to ensure black growers have a seat at the table. In what would have been the 10th anniversary of its annual conference, BUGs is planning virtual events to educate and uplift its community in 2020. blackurbangrowers.org
Chefs for Spain, Spain – Launched in response to the coronavirus crisis in 2020, #ChefsforSpain is a branch of World Central Kitchen, the non-profit organisation set up by chef José Andrés in 2010 to feed the hungry. Operating in 10 Spanish cities, the initiative employs chefs to prepare fresh meals for families in need from the kitchens of restaurants that were forced to close because of the crisis. Chefs for Spain has already provided more than 1.5 million meals. wck.org/juntos
Chefs and restaurateurs from around the world show their support for the 50 Best for Recovery programme
Nosso Prato, Brazil – Launched in 2020 to help with the devastating effects of coronavirus in Brazil, Nosso Prato (meaning ‘Our Plate’) supports local restaurants by paying them to supply meals to non-profit organisations and health professionals on the frontline in hospitals. Of each dollar donated, around two-thirds goes to ingredients, packaging and production from restaurants, while a third pays for logistics and operations, including delivery. Nosso Prato plans to continue its work beyond the current crisis. nossoprato.org
Eat Out Restaurant Relief Fund, South Africa – In partnership with non-profit organisation Community Chest, South African food guide Eat Out set up the Restaurant Relief Fund to support restaurants working to feed the hungry in their communities. Registered food businesses are invited to apply for funding and, if successful, will receive grants in line with the number of meals they produce each day. All funds are allocated towards operational expenses and feeding programmes. help.eatout.co.za
National Restaurant Association of India’s Feed the Needy, India – Aimed at providing free meals to the underprivileged and most affected by the Covid-19 lockdown in India, Feed the Needy is a campaign set up by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI). The campaign has so far served more than 7 million meals across six cities, as well as distributing hot tea and unperishable foods to the hungry. NRAI also runs a Covid-19 Relief Corpus to support families affected by the crisis. nrai.org/feed-the-needy
Horeca Next, Belgium – A pop-up expertise group set up to support the restaurant industry in its recovery, Horeca Next is a non-profit organisation operating in Belgium. Specialists in the catering world combine their knowledge and insights with that of scientists to help create a safe, creative, attractive and sustainable restaurant industry post-coronavirus. Horeca Next shares its practical recommendations and digital tools free of charge via live-streamed programmes and other means. horecanext.be
Associazione Italiana Ambasciatori del Gusto, Italy – Founded in 2016, Ambasciatori del Gusto is a non-profit organisation that represents all areas of restaurant businesses, from chefs and pizza makers to sommeliers and maîtres. The association is working on a series of projects including a study aimed at preventing depression and suicide in the industry, a school training programme, a pressure group lobbying the government in support of the restaurant industry and a free consulting programme for restaurants. ambasciatoridelgusto.it
Singapore Cocktail Bar Association, Singapore – Founded in 2020 by a group of prominent bar industry professionals, the Singapore Cocktail Bar Association (SCBA) is a non-profit organisation that champions the city’s craft cocktail culture. SCBA has established a Covid-19 Relief Fund and is raising money for a number of areas, including financial support for individuals and for new, independently owned bars open less than one year, and industry recovery tools to support bars in their recovery. sgcocktailbarassociation.org
Social Gastronomy Movement – A global network of interconnected food communities and social organisations in 38 different countries, Social Gastronomy Movement (SGM) uses the power of food as a tool for social change. Through its Food Solidarity Fund, SGM aims to provide 1 million meals to those most in need around the world in partnership with 50 Best. All current SGM organisations are eligible to apply for support from the Food Solidarity Fund. socialgastronomy.org
Visit the Restaurant Recovery Hub and the Bar Recovery Hub to explore useful resources during the coronavirus pandemic and read the stories of chefs and bartenders around the world. Follow 50 Best on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the latest news on our fundraising initiatives.
Reporting by Laura Price and Giulia Sgarbi
