people in the United States have worked in food service.
This is a day for them. For you. For all of us.
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.
Use Giving Kitchen’s Official National Food Service Worker Day Celebration Filter to create a photo or video, rally your team, and give a little love to the people who make every shift, plate, and guest experience possible.
Mark your social calendar for September 25! Tell your social team, or remind yourself to post, use Giving Kitchen’s Official National Food Service Worker Day Celebration Filter, capture a photo or video, and help fill the social feeds with gratitude.
Share your celebration post on Instagram or LinkedIn using #FSWDay and tag @GivingKitchen so we can reshare.
And, when you dine out, take a moment to thank a food service worker in person!
Grey's Diner in Charlotte, NC
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 (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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