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Supporting Food Service Workers in Crisis: Giving Kitchen’s Role Amid the LA Wildfires
By Rebecca Patt, SVP & Partner, Wray Executive Search
As the recent wildfires in Los Angeles devastate communities, food service workers—often facing financial insecurity and limited access to benefits—are among those most impacted. Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit committed to supporting food service workers in crisis, has mobilized its resources to help workers rebuild their lives during this challenging time.
“Food service workers are the backbone of our communities,” says Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, founder of Giving Kitchen. “When a crisis strikes—whether it’s a wildfire, a hurricane, or a personal emergency—our goal is to be a safety net they can count on.”
A Network of Support for Times of Crisis
Since its inception, Giving Kitchen has provided food service workers with access to both financial assistance and a robust Stability Network, connecting them with resources for housing, utilities, mental health, and more. In 2024, the organization extended its reach to all 50 states, supporting thousands of individuals through this unique dual-pronged approach.
While the response to the LA wildfires is still in its early stages, Giving Kitchen has already equipped 10–15 workers with community resources, and they anticipate more reaching out in the weeks ahead. “We’re here to help food service workers stabilize again, no matter where they are,” Hidinger-Kendrick explains. “It starts with connecting them to local resources and making sure they know they’re not alone.”
Building on Past Experience
Giving Kitchen’s ability to respond to crises is well-established. In 2024, the organization distributed over $3 million in financial aid to food service workers in crisis for emergencies related to illness, injury, death of a family member, or housing disaster, like floods or fires, while nearly 5,000 workers received referrals to Stability Network services. Their holistic approach ensures immediate relief while addressing long-term stability.
“We often hear from workers months later about how our support helped them get through a difficult time,” says Hidinger-Kendrick. “That’s the kind of impact that keeps us going.”
How to Help
For those looking to support Giving Kitchen’s mission, there are many ways to get involved:
Participate in campaigns like Dining with Gratitude, which brought together 272 restaurants in 2024.
Donate directly to sustain their vital programs at givingkitchen.org/donate.
Learn more about QPR Suicide Prevention Training, a free program that equips workers with life-saving mental health skills.
“This is about taking care of the people who take care of us every day,” says Hidinger-Kendrick. “Every donation, every act of kindness makes a difference.”
As the LA community begins its recovery, Giving Kitchen continues to embody the power of collective action, standing by food service workers in their moments of greatest need.
For more information on how to donate, volunteer, or access help, visit Giving Kitchen’s website.
by Rebecca Patt, SVP & Partner, Wray Executive Search
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