In the vibrant heart of New Mexico’s culinary scene, there’s a group of unsung heroes who bring flavor, warmth, and community to every meal served. They’re the restaurant workers – the servers, bartenders, cooks, and hospitality staff who pour their passion into every dish and every guest interaction. That’s where two powerful programs step in: the Serving NM Fund (for NMRA member employees) and CORE Gives.
A Safety Net for New Mexico’s Hospitality Heroes
The Serving NM Fund, administered by the Hospitality Industry Education Foundation (HIEF), is a lifeline for New Mexico Restaurant Association member employees facing crises like medical emergencies, natural disasters, or other unforeseen challenges. In a state where hospitality is a way of life – from the scorched mountains of Las Vegas to the flooded streets of Ruidoso – this fund ensures that those who serve the community’s culinary needs get support when they need it most.
Why Support the Serving NM Fund?
- Help Those Who Serve You: Restaurant workers are often the face of New Mexico’s local charm. Supporting the fund means supporting the people who bring your favorite local flavors to life.
- Community Impact: By aiding hospitality workers in crisis, the fund strengthens the entire industry and local economy and keeps New Mexico’s culinary heartbeat strong.
To make a donation visit our Serving NM page here.
How Businesses Can Partner with the Serving NM Fund
- Donate: Contributions help provide emergency assistance to workers in need.
- Sponsor a hardship grant: Choose from Gold ($10,000), Silver ($5,000), Bronze ($2,500), or Copper ($1,000) sponsorships to make a tangible impact.
- Promote the Fund: Encourage employees to use the fund if needed, and promote the fund’s mission to customers and within your business community. (Right click on the image and save or click here for a .pdf of this exclusive poster you can post in your breakroom.)
- Corporate Giving: Businesses can make tax-deductible donations and highlight their support of local hospitality workers in marketing and community outreach.
Visit our site here to learn more about sponsorship.
The Human Touch
Recent events like the floods in Ruidoso and wildfires Las Vegas have shown the critical need for this fund. With applications temporarily closed due to high demand, the need for support is clear. By contributing to the Serving NM Fund, you’re giving a hand to those who’ve given so much to New Mexico’s dining scene. We gave over $100,000 in grants to many of your neighbors, servers, dishwashers, hosts and cooks during these natural disasters.
CORE Gives: National Relief for Restaurant Families in Crisis
While Serving NM provides local support, CORE Gives extends a national safety net for food and beverage service employees with children. CORE grants may cover rent, utilities, groceries, medical equipment, child care, funeral expenses, and more. Since its founding, CORE has provided support in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Who Can Apply
- Must currently work in food & beverage service and have worked in the industry for the past 90 days
- Must have a legally dependent child under 18 (or medically dependent child) living in the home
- Must have experienced a qualifying crisis within the past 90 days
Encourage Your Team to Apply for Help if Needed
If you’re a restaurant or hospitality business owner in New Mexico, encourage your employees to apply for assistance through the Serving NM Fund or CORE Gives if they’re facing hardship. These funds are a resource for your team when they need it most – whether due to illness, family emergencies, or other crises. Letting your staff know about this support shows you care about their well-being beyond the workplace.
Direct your staff here for the details and Serving NM application or here for more information on CORE Gives.
Want to help restaurant workers in their time of need? Contact the New Mexico Restaurant Association at 505-343-9848 or consider a donation today. Every bit counts toward making sure those who serve our communities are supported when life gets tough.
