Unemployed hospitality workers can receive a free food box today

Over 300 boxes of food will be distributed to families of unemployed hospitality workers today in Novi.

The food giveaway is being administered on a first- come, first-served basis by Sysco of Michigan, The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association (MRLA) Educational Foundation, and The Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund.

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., those who received an event invitation from their employer or from the Michigan Hospitality Industry Employee Relief Fund can head over to the Suburban Collection Showplace, which is located at 46100 Grand River Avenue in Novi. The boxes will be placed in the trunk or back seat of vehicles.

The email invitation must be shown upon arrival to receive the food box.

The dinner boxes will feed a family of four and support unemployed hospitality industry workers that are facing financial hardship because of the state’s extended epidemic order, which prohibits dine-in services at bars and restaurants. In 2020, around 2,000 Michigan restaurants have closed their doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the MRLA.

The MRLA is reporting that approximately 250,000 restaurant employees are likely to be laid off over the holiday season as a result of the continuing state health order and pandemic.