Over 10,000 meals distributed on 4th Takeout Tuesday
A total of 33 local restaurants and food distribution sites served a reported 10,293 meals during the fourth #KeepBooneHealthy Takeout Tuesday, held on April 21st. This marks the first single-day tally of over 10,000 meals distributed and marks an increase of 1,280 meals over the previous week. Including the Takeout Tuesdays on March 31st, April 7th, and April 14th, a total of 35,464 meals have been distributed by local restaurants and food distribution sites over the last four Tuesdays.
The effort was designed to encourage area residents to support local restaurants and food distribution programs during the COVID-19 crisis, while also complying with the directives listed in the State of North Carolina Stay-At-Home order.
Customers placed orders with local restaurants, utilized curbside, takeout, and delivery options, and enjoyed their meal in the confines of their home. They posted pictures of meals across various social media platforms and tagged posts with the name of the restaurant and the #KeepBooneHealthy hashtag.
This week’s community count was generated from the reporting of total meals served from 32 area restaurants and the Watauga County Schools meal distribution program.
With the recent extension of the Stay-At-Home Order, Takeout Tuesday will run weekly through the end of May. AppHealthCare has endorsed the effort with the understanding that should a need for further tightening of the Stay-At-Home order become necessary, the promotion may need to be re-evaluated.
“It’s been both exciting and uplifting for our area restaurants to see the community response to Takeout Tuesday, “said David Jackson, President/CEO of the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. “We had nine of our reporting restaurants send in their highest Tuesday total yet as part of this week’s numbers. The support of the community has helped keep these businesses open, employees on staff, and it has also kept more food being distributed throughout the community. The more restaurants that can stay open during this time helps provide more options for people and helps keep some of our other community outreach programs focused on serving more specific food distribution needs.”
In addition to supporting area restaurants and utilizing the Watauga County Schools meal distribution program, customers can purchase meals for Hospitality House. Social distancing guidelines have altered the organization’s ability to prepare meals for individuals and families that are experiencing homelessness.
Governor Roy Cooper announced Thursday an extension of the State’s Stay-At-Home Order, along with an outline for a three-phase approach for reopening North Carolina Businesses. In that plan, restaurants would see an opportunity to reopen in-person dining as part of Phase 2, which could become available in late May, should public health trends support such a decision.
“Since it looks like the month of May will look very similar to April in terms of restaurant operation and our community’s ability to get food, we thought an extension of this program through the end of the month would be helpful for all involved. It will continue to serve as a reminder that our restaurants and food distribution outlets are open and available, not only on Tuesday’s, but throughout the week. This will also hopefully assist those restaurants that are starting to plan their reopening strategy when Phase 2 comes along, to keep their operations running as smoothly as possible as they anticipate being able to open their dining rooms again. Our community has rallied behind these businesses and programs, and continued support will make for a stronger return for all involved.”
#KeepBooneHealthy is a community messaging campaign organized by the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce, with content creation and promotional assistance provided by Destination by Design and the Downtown Boone Development Association. Additional information can be found at www.facebook.com/keepboonehealthy.
For more information about a broad range of available assistance during the COVID-19 crisis, visit www.boonechamber.com/localresponse.
If you have questions, please contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225 or email david@boonechamber.com.
If you have questions, please contact the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce at 828-264-2225 or email david@boonechamber.com.