Serving Richmond Families and Restaurants
For many Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond members and their families, the COVID-19 pandemic highlights a critical food insecurity issue. When schools and clubs were mandated to close in March, many vulnerable children and teens lost critical providers of meals they rely on daily.
Fortunately, the local restaurant community has stepped up to deliver some much-needed assistance. On April 6, thanks to the efforts of Save RVA Restaurants and Buz & Ned's Real Barbecue , 41 club members and their families enjoyed a delicious barbecue dinner.
“We have to all do our part. That’s why we are keeping our doors open. We are losing money every day, but we need to be able to serve the public and keep our employees.”
Save RVA Restaurants, which was launched by Little Hands Virginia and The Saunders Family Foundation, supports Richmond restaurants and provides food for families in need. The organization plans to purchase $100,000 of meals from local restaurants to support struggling families in the months ahead.
Buz & Ned’s Real Barbecue is the #4-ranked barbecue restaurant in the country (by Food Network) and a Richmond institution. The owner, Buz Grossberg, has closed his restaurants to diners but continues to serve food through take-out and delivery services. He describes keeping his business operating during the COVID-19 outbreak as his “duty.”
“We all have to do our part,” says Grossberg. “That’s why we are keeping our doors open. We are losing money every day, but we need to be able to serve the public and keep our employees.”
The Clubs and many local families have been very appreciative of this outreach effort. Eric Gilliam, a program director at the Petersburg Club, says this collaboration has been vital for supporting members and their families. “What Save RVA Restaurants and Buz & Ned’s are doing has a huge impact on the community and the lives of many people in Petersburg.”
Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Richmond is grateful to all the organizations, businesses, volunteers, and private donors who have supported our families during the COVID-19 closures.
