Heinz allocates another $1 million to support black restaurateurs

Heinz has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Black-owned restaurants. The brand will provide another $1 million in grants to help Black entrepreneurs maintain and expand their kitchens.

The large check will go towards Heinz’s Black Kitchen Initiative (BKI), which can also be in partnership with The LEE Initiative and Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice. In an announcement released to Heinz emphasized this ongoing mission to support black-owned restaurants across the country.

“The Black Kitchen Initiative grants are a significant moment for us every year, not only because we recognize the importance of Black-owned food businesses in the American culinary space, but also because entrepreneurship has been a core value in our brand DNA since day one,” said Lizzy Goodman, brand communications manager, Heinz US

Recipients will receive grants of $20,000 each to help keep their restaurants running. This funding stays crucial because financial hardships disproportionately affect Black restaurateurs. According to Bankrate, Black restaurants are starting out with much less capital, a median of $35,000, than their white counterparts, who’ve a median of $107,000.

With such statistics in mind, Heinz’s financial support of BKI goals to dismantle these systemic problems. The brand has also committed a complete of $4 million because the partnership launched.

SRRJ founder Cheryl Day also spoke in regards to the ongoing efforts: “For the fourth year running, we are grateful to Heinz for the opportunity to support heritage chefs, bakers and restaurants and continue to support communities across the country.”

In addition, Heinz will collaborate with celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson on a series of “Open Kitchen” events to uplift the spirits of the beneficiaries. By offering recent experiences within the kitchens of the important food outlets, the beneficiaries will have the opportunity to showcase their skills on a bigger scale.

The scholarship program can be accept applications until August 31. They intend to give priority to applicants who’re involved in community service and dedicated to business development.