Food For Thought: Restaurant Industry Donates $3 Billion To Charity Every Year

As part of its ongoing campaign to tell the story of America's restaurants, the National Restaurant Association today unveiled its latest "America Works Here" advertisement highlighting the industry's commitment to local communities through charitable giving.

"America's restaurants serve more than great food, they respond in times of need and nourish communities nationwide," said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the National Restaurant Association. "When you support a restaurant, you support your community and your neighbors."

According to National Restaurant Association research, the restaurant industry donates nearly $3 billion to charitable efforts every year. Ninety-four percent of America's restaurant operators made charitable contributions in 2010, and 92 percent supported local organizations and charities. Seventy-three percent of operators made donations for hunger relief, and 70 percent made cash donations.

The National Restaurant Association launched the America Works Here campaign in an effort to educate policymakers as to the breadth, depth, scope and influence of the restaurant industry on the American economy. The restaurant industry is the nation's second-largest private-sector employer, a provider of nearly 13 millions jobs, and an engine of economic growth where organizations go for the philanthropic support that helps them do great work in local communities across the country.

Learn more at www.restaurant.org/AmericaWorksHere.

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises 960,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of nearly 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America's restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.