Shutdowns in cities across the country last spring as a result of COVID-19 had a devastating impact on workers in the hospitality industry. Millions of employees were laid off or furloughed on short notice without the prospect of finding work elsewhere.

Locally, the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality & Resort Management at the University of Memphis stepped up to assist workers and their families during this desperate time. 

“I heard stories from our students working in the hospitality industry about the hardships they were facing due to their sudden loss of employment,” said Radesh Palakurthi, dean of the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality & Resort Management. “From those discussions, the main issue seemed to be managing day-to-day essential needs such as groceries and paying bills.”

Those stories led to Palakurthi spearheading the formation of the Hospitality Employees Assistance Program. He began by reaching out to the Kemmons Wilson Family Foundation (KWFF) about the possibility of jump-starting the effort to help workers in need. KWFF eagerly joined the effort, donating $25,000 toward any assistance Palakurthi and the school deemed appropriate. 

Care packages consisting of groceries and household supplies were determined to be the best use of funds and resources. Each care package was stocked with enough food and essentials to last a family of four at least a week.

Other organizations and food distribution suppliers were contacted and generously agreed to assist. The Holiday Inn at the UofM served as a storage space and pick-up location. Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute faculty and staff assisted with distribution and ordering supplies. MALCO Theatres donated $10,000 worth of snacks and candy. Food distribution company US Foods provided discounts on purchases made and supplied the program with hard-to-get items such as paper towels and toilet paper. Three local hospitality organizations — Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association, Memphis Restaurant Association and Metropolitan Memphis Attractions Association — provided contact information for workers affected by the pandemic. Girl Scouts Heart of the South donated 4,000 cases of their famous cookies, which turned out to be one of the most popular items in the care packages, for an estimated cost contribution of $22,000.

“At a time when so many families are struggling due to job loss, or supplemental income, Girl Scouts wants to help lead the way in supporting our communities,” said Melanie Schild, Girl Scouts Heart of the South CEO. “In order to protect the health and well-being of our girls and their families, the 2020 Girl Scout Cookie Booth Program was cut short. Donating cookies is one way that we can give back during this crisis. Girl Scouts is dedicated to making the world a better place and helping those in need, and we were pleased to do our part with the care packages for hospitality workers in the Memphis area.”

Within the first two weeks (Phase I) of the program, about 1,100 care packages were distributed to 550-600 hospitality workers through the Holiday Inn at the UofM. In Phase II, 500 more care packages were delivered directly to local establishments, including nine Huey’s restaurant locations, the Kooky Canuck downtown and many other restaurants and hotels. 

“Local establishments came to a complete standstill for several weeks in March and April,” Palakurthi said. “Keeping with the mission of the University to be a positively contributing member of the local community, it was imperative for us to be a leader in the charge to help the hospitality industry during its most difficult time in history.”