Lee Initiative program expands to 15 cities

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A new initiative is being put into place as thousands of restaurant workers have been sidelined as part of the economic shutdown due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Local Chef Edward Lee, owner of restaurants like 610 Magnolia created the Restaurant Workers Relief Program as part of his Lee Initiative.

The original plan, co-founded with general manager Lindsey Ofcacek, was to help provide meals and other supplies to displaced restaurant workers but that quickly grew.

“We all sat down and realized this was not a Kentucky problem. This was a problem happening all over the country. So fast forward, we have 15 relief centers operating around the country now,” Ofcacek said.

Through a partnership with Makers Mark, the Lee Initiative hopes to keep all of the relief kitchens open until at least mid-May.

Ofcacek believes that many workers will be still out of a job once the shutdown is lifted due to many restaurants may permanently be out of business.

To learn more about the Lee Initiative and how to donate, click here.

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