Fund created to provide payments to King County restaurant workers affected by coronavirus

KING COUNTY, Wash. — A group of restaurants and organizations announced the creation of a new initiative that will provide emergency, one-time payments to King County restaurant workers affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

The initiative, called the #ThePlateFund, was created by the Schultz Family Foundation along with #allinseattle, Seattle Foundation and UpTogether.

It launched with an initial $4 million with the goal of reaching as many in-need workers in the county. The fund provides one-time payments of $500 to restaurant workers, prioritizing the most in-need so they can pay for essentials such as food and medicine.

“We can help bridge the gap between the time workers received their last paychecks and the time they access government-provided payments and benefits. For some, this may be the only assistance they receive,” said Sheri Schultz, President of the Schultz Family Foundation.

Any food service workers that has been laid off or got a reduction in hours can apply for the fund. Applicants have to prove that they live in King County, experienced a reduction in hours or have been laid off and upload a recent pay stub showing they have an annual gross pay of less than $62,000 including tips.

Anyone who wants to donate to the fund can do so at this link.

To apply for the Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, visit this link.

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