In an effort to combat food insecurity and provide an economic stimulus to local restaurants, Jerome Love, founder of Texas Black Expo has partnered with Fort Bend County to launch the We All Eat program. A press conference announcing the program will take place Monday, October 19, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. at Sugar’s Cajun Cuisine, located at 3424 FM 1092 Rd #290, Missouri City, TX 77459.
Texas is currently facing one of the largest spikes in food insecurity in the state’s history, leading to a growth in demand for food assistance thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, local restaurants and food suppliers and producers are also feeling the negative effects of the pandemic as well. According to the Texas Restaurant Association, an estimated 30 percent of restaurants will be forced to close as a result of COVID. Without a solution, this could have a devastating impact on the Fort Bend County community.
“The food insecurity problem is one that requires an immediate solution so that residents can have a nutritious meal on the table every day,” said Love. “We’re so thankful that Fort Bend County saw the value in the We All Eat program, not just for residents, but for restaurants that have also been hit extremely hard by the pandemic.”
The $2.8 million We All Eat program is expected to provide nearly 200,000 meals to approximately 25,000 Fort Bend County residents.
Selected restaurants will be identified for participation in the program. These restaurants will be strategically located throughout Fort Bend County to provide meals for those in need. Texas Black Expo will reimburse the restaurants for the cost of the meals they serve to We All Eat program participants. Texas Black Expo will receive reimbursements of these funds from Fort Bend County. Each restaurant must be located within Fort Bend County and be in good standing with the County.
Participating restaurants will list a daily menu online with 2 – 3 selections from which We All Eat participants may choose. Approved residential applicants will receive a personal participation number (PPN), which they will utilize to order meals online. Generally, one meal per family member per day may be ordered using the individual’s PPN.
Fort Bend County residents and business owners will be able to apply to participate in the We All Eat program beginning Monday, October 26, 2020, at 9 a.m. at www.wealleattexas.com.
“Like every other community in the nation, Fort Bend County is working to provide viable solutions for our residents and business owners as well continue battling COVID-19. We are excited to partner with the Texas Black Expo organization for this innovative program,” said Grady Prestage, Fort Bend County Commissioner, Precinct 2.