Feed the Soul Foundation Marks a Major Funding Milestone
Feed the Soul Foundation has awarded $850,000 through its Restaurant Business Development Grant Program, a focused push to lift up marginalized culinary entrepreneurs across the country. Backed by the Grubhub Community Fund, the award underscores a simple, urgent aim: give restaurant owners the resources and knowledge they need to keep serving their communities—and to grow with confidence.
Why This Support Matters
Restaurants are still navigating tough headwinds. To meet that reality, the nonprofit Feed the Soul Foundation is offering two forms of help at once: $10,000 stipends for each recipient and a six-month business consultation program. The program pairs owners with expert advisors who tailor guidance to an operator’s specific goals—whether that’s stabilizing cash flow, sharpening operations, or planning for smart growth.
What the Numbers Say
The 2024 State of the Industry report paints a clear picture. Some 98% of restaurant owners report higher labor and operating costs. Another 97% are wrestling with food inflation. And 38% say they lost profitability over the past year. Those figures make the case for programs like this one, which blend direct funding with practical, day-to-day business support.
Four Years In: Bigger Reach, Deeper Impact
Now in its fourth year, the Feed the Soul Foundation has sharpened and expanded its grant model to better serve minority culinary businesses. Founded by a group of dynamic entrepreneurs, the foundation has already been a lifeline for 100 marginalized culinary establishments nationwide. Money helps, but the approach goes further—prioritizing education, peer learning, and the relationships that keep a business steady when the unexpected hits.
Powered by Community Partners
Through collaboration with the Grubhub Community Fund and Stella Artois, each selected business receives a total investment valued at $25,000: $10,000 in direct funding, plus business development services that owners can put to work immediately. The goal is simple and practical—build a networked community of diverse food entrepreneurs who can compete, adapt, and thrive.
Personal Notes of Progress
Executive Director Juana Collins reflected on the momentum to date, saying, "This cohort marks a vital milestone in our journey, showcasing our commitment to supporting marginalized culinary businesses in the face of rising challenges." That pride is rooted in everyday wins: owners gaining clarity on their numbers, teams getting organized, and neighborhoods keeping beloved spots open.
Join the Journey: What the Program Teaches
Over six months, participants follow a hands-on curriculum designed to strengthen both the front and back of house. They get the kind of practical coaching that sticks.
- Financial literacy coaching to sharpen planning, pricing, and cash management
- Guidance on day-to-day operations and systems that reduce waste
- Best practices for human resource management that support teams and compliance
- Strategies for advertising and marketing that reach real diners
- Interactive group consultations with industry experts to problem-solve in real time
What’s Next: Applications and Events
Applications for the 2025 program will open in the coming months. The foundation also plans to grow its learning community by hosting the second annual Global Culinary Conference, bringing together culinary entrepreneurs and enthusiasts for shared connection and practical insight.
About Feed the Soul Foundation
Founded in 2020, Feed the Soul Foundation exists to empower marginalized entrepreneurs in the culinary space. It pairs essential resources with targeted financial support to champion sustainable growth and inclusion across the industry. Its Restaurant Business Development Fund is central to that work, helping ensure diverse owners have the tools to build strong, lasting businesses.
About Grubhub
Grubhub is a leading U.S. food ordering and delivery marketplace that connects diners with their favorite local restaurants. The company supports innovation and community by improving the ordering experience and partnering with diverse culinary businesses to encourage growth and long-term stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What financial support does Feed the Soul Foundation offer?
Selected culinary businesses receive a $10,000 stipend and six months of one-on-one and group business consultation. Through partnerships, each business also benefits from additional services that bring the total investment to $25,000.
How has the foundation contributed to the culinary community?
Since its inception, the foundation has awarded nearly $2 million in combined financial support and business development services to culinary businesses nationwide.
Who should apply for the Restaurant Business Development Grant Program?
Marginalized culinary entrepreneurs seeking both capital and structured, expert guidance to strengthen their operations and growth plans are encouraged to apply.
What kind of training do participants receive during the program?
Training spans financial literacy, everyday operations, human resources best practices, marketing and advertising strategies, and interactive consultations with industry experts.
How can businesses get involved with the foundation?
Businesses can apply for grants and learn about upcoming programs—including application timelines for 2025—by visiting the Feed the Soul Foundation’s official website.
