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Stipends Available for Food Service Workers Impacted by COVID-19

Posted on 12/11/2020
Flyer for the SERVE (Service Emergency Relief for Vulnerable Employees) Program

Los Angeles is recognized across America and the world as a cultural and culinary hub. Our restaurant industry is part of the heart, soul, and backbone of our local communities, as well as a key employer in our city and across the state. There are more restaurant and food service jobs in California than anywhere else in the country.

The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to workers — and few have been more affected than the servers, wait staff, cooks, and others who fuel our food sector. Recent protocols put in place by the L.A. County Department of Public Health suspending outdoor dining at restaurants (along with breweries, wineries, and bars) leaves many food service workers in need of immediate aid and support.

The Secure Emergency Relief for Vulnerable Employees (SERVE) is a new partnership between Mayor Garcetti and the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles to provide cash aid to food service workers who reside in the City of Los Angeles. SERVE will offer 4,000 food service workers with a one-time $800 stipend to help them during this critical period.

This program will provide much needed additional financial support to some of the workers who have been most deeply impacted by the pandemic. SERVE is one of many programs developed by Mayor Garcetti and the City of L.A. to support Angelenos who have received limited assistance from the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are a food service worker in need of support, find out if you’re eligible for the program and how to apply at https://coronavirus.lacity.org/SERVE.