LANSING — Today, Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II announced that the state of Michigan will partner with One Fair Wage to distribute more than $250,000 in much-needed relief for restaurant owners and essential workers, as well as community members in need. Funding for the program, called High Road Kitchens, comes from the non-profit organization One Fair Wage.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that we need to re-think and re-imagine our nation’s economic policies to provide the greatest support to families and small businesses that have been disproportionately impacted due to no fault of their own,” Lt. Governor Gilchrist said. “The beauty about One Fair Wage’s High Road Kitchens program is that it is an equity-driven approach to help restaurants and the people who work in them, increase wages and economic opportunity, and demonstrate that our investment priorities must support individuals, businesses, and the community working together for shared prosperity.”

“One Fair Wage is delighted to partner with the state of Michigan to bring its highly successful High Road Kitchens program to the state,” said Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage. “Launched in CA, New York City, Boston, Chicago and more, One Fair Wage’s High Road Kitchens program will provide grants to restaurants in Michigan that commit to paying One Fair Wage to all workers – a full minimum wage with tips on top – and provide free meals to community members in need. We applaud Governor Whitmer in her work with One Fair Wage to create meaningful relief for Michigan’s restaurant industry that will be more sustainable and equitable for struggling employers and thousands of essential workers alike.”

For restaurants to submit applications, follow the link here.