City of Rochester
News Release
(Thursday, June 25, 2020) – The City of Rochester is seeking to partner with up to 20 city restaurants to deliver meals to area seniors, age 60 and above, who are unable to travel or frequent restaurants due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
“The Coronavirus pandemic is a healthcare crisis that created an economic crisis, and this program helps alleviate both of those challenges,” said Mayor Lovely A. Warren. “Creating an opportunity for restaurants to deliver free, healthy meals to seniors in their neighborhoods helps retain jobs and it provides a much-needed service to residents who are most vulnerable to the dangers of social isolation. This is a great example of the creative problem solving that will help us emerge from this pandemic and continue our mission to make belief real for everybody by creating more jobs, safer and more vibrant neighborhoods and better educational opportunities.”
The Department of Neighborhood and Business Development will award Restaurant Grants of up to $15,000 to support selected restaurants in each quadrant of the city that agree to prepare free, meals for delivery to area seniors for up to three months. The City is contracting with Goodwill and its 211/Life Line program to perform facilitated enrollment services. Selected restaurants will coordinate with Goodwill to provide and deliver the free meals to seniors enrolled in the program at designated dates and times. Restaurants can use third-party delivery companies to support the operation.
The grant funds will be used by the selected restaurants as working capital to offset the operational expenses associated with the program. Funding for the program is provided through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
To receive a Restaurant Grant, restaurants must operate within the city and be in good standing with all regulatory requirements, including zoning codes, taxes and fees, insurance and fair hiring practices. To learn about the grant or to obtain an application, visit
www.cityofrochester.gov/restaurantgrant/
Applications are due July 2.
###News Media: For more information, call 311 (428-5990).