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Giving Kitchen's

National Food Service Worker Day

Collage of photos posted on social media for National Food Service Worker Day
Taco tasting at Team Hidi

2 out of 3

people in the United States have worked in food service.

 

This is a day for them. For you. For all of us.

Celebrate with us on September 25

Food service workers keep our communities running. They create experiences, build connections, and show up every day to serve others, often behind the scenes. From cooks and dishwashers to servers, bartenders, bar taps, cashiers, catering managers, and food service teams everywhere, these are the people who power one of the country’s most essential industries.

This is an industry that builds careers, families, friendships, and communities, and it deserves national recognition. On Friday, September 25, 2026, Giving Kitchen invites the nation to come together for National Food Service Worker Day, a day dedicated entirely to celebrating and honoring food service workers across the country.

How to Celebrate

National Food Service Worker Day is about creating a visible wave of gratitude for the people who make our industry possible. Restaurants, brands, food service vendors, organizations, and supporters nationwide are encouraged to participate by sharing stories of gratitude, recognizing their teams, posting photos and videos, and celebrating the workers who keep this industry moving every single day.

Join Giving Kitchen on Friday, September 25, 2026, as we create a national wave of gratitude for food service workers everywhere. Whether you share your story, post a message of appreciation using #FSWDay, or simply say ‘Thank You’ when you dine out, every action helps celebrate and uplift the industry that serves us all.

We Can't Wait To Celebrate With You

Our team is preparing for an even bigger celebration for this year’s National Food Service Worker Day. We’ll have a host of free resources to help you and your team join in on the fun.

Sign up below to get a reminder email when we get the party started.

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Chef Terry Koval and the Fawn group at Team hidi

Watershed Hospitality Concepts

Group of chefs at Milli for a Giving Kitchen fundraiser

Hector Santiago and the El Super Pán team at their table at Team Hidi

What's your Gusto Team Photo

Giving Kitchen supporters and staff enjoy Ossabaw Island for a Team Hidi auction lot redemption

Chicago chefs at Say Yes, Chef!

Giving Kitchen at US Foods Event

Collage of photos with the National Food Service Worker Day logo overlaid on top

Look back at Food Service Worker Day 2025

September 25, 2025 marked the inaugural year of Giving Kitchen, leading a nationwide campaign to spotlight and thank the people behind the pass, the bar, and the counter — the hard-working individuals who make dining out so memorable.

On Semptember 25th, social feeds filled with photos old and new, virtual thank-you notes were sent, and team shout-outs were acknowledged. From group selfies in kitchens to family meals shared after service, the collective message was clear: we see you, we appreciate you, and we’ve got your back.

Thank you for celebrating food service workers with us!
Explore coverage & outreach from Nation’s Restaurant News, Telemundo’s Poder en Ti, Yahoo Finance with Board member Chef Andrew Zimmern.

Look back at special videos from Proof of the Pudding, Will Guidara of Unreasonable Hospitality, and 200+ supporters who took the time to thank our industry members.

Read the Recap
Giving Kitchen founder Jen Hidinger-Kendrick and CEO Allison Padilla-Goodman pose with the team from Your 3rd Spot at Team Hidi

About Giving Kitchen

Giving Kitchen (GK) is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources. Their goal is to create a food service community in which crises are met with compassion and care. Giving Kitchen is a James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award winner and Fast Company’s 2022 Brands That Matter. Since its inception, GK has served over 40,000 food service workers and awarded over $17 million in financial assistance.

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