Charleston Organization Pay It Forward Wants to Award $100,000 to F&B Workers in Need

Pay It Forward started as an emergency response to hospitality workers being laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The initiative started by Michael Shemtov (Butcher & Bee, the Daily, and Workshop) worked with farmers, restaurants, and Lowcountry community to provide bags of groceries to food and beverage workers in need. Now Pay It Forward wants to go further by distributing grant money.

The nonprofit organization recognizes that beyond COVID, other factors could lead to F&B employees missing a paycheck, such as hurricanes or health issues. According to the Pay It Forward website, money can be used for emergencies such as “medical bills, a car accident, weather catastrophes, family support assistance, and mental health needs.” To qualify, applicants must have worked in the Charleston F&B industry for a minimum of six months at 30 hours a week. Each application will be reviewed by a committee.

Pay It Forward pledges to distribute $100,000 in grants this year. To apply, take a look at the organization’s website.

• Pay It Forward [Official]