Celebrate Giving Kitchen’s National Food Service Worker Day on Sept. 25th

Whether your first job was behind a drive-thru window or you’re a seasoned chef, food service work builds teamwork, resilience, and a strong sense of community.

Giving Kitchen created National Food Service Worker Day to celebrate the hard work and dedication of food service workers everywhere. This day is more than a holiday—it’s a movement recognizing the vital role these workers play in our everyday lives.

It’s time to dig up those old team photos, text that coworker who still makes you laugh, and honor the incredible community of food service workers who keep our kitchens running and our dining rooms filled with fun memories for our guests. From the front of house staff who make you feel at home, to the back of house crews who keep the line moving through the dinner rush, on September 25th, we are celebrating YOU!

Did you know that 2 out of 3 people in America have worked in food service at some point in their lives? That means nearly everyone has an industry story—from their first job behind a counter to years spent perfecting their craft in the kitchen. Food service work builds character, resilience, and connection.

Giving Kitchen’s National Food Service Worker is more than just a holiday—it’s a movement. It’s about celebrating the heartbeat of an industry that touches every community.

On September 25, take a moment to say an extra “thank you” to your server or bartender. Share a selfie with your favorite neighborhood barista and tell them about Giving Kitchen’s mission to help food service workers in crisis. These moments of gratitude mean everything.

Dine With Gratitude All September Long
Support your favorite local restaurant, bar, or café. Thank your server, cashier, or kitchen staff for their work—they are the reason we all enjoy great food and hospitality. Explore restaurants participating in Giving Kitchen’s Dining With Gratitude campaign.

Share Your Industry Story
Post a selfie, a throwback from your food service days, or record your story highlighting why you love (or learned from) working in this industry. Use #FSWDay and tag @GivingKitchen so we can reshare!

Tell Food Service Workers about Giving Kitchen’s Mission

We want to make sure every food service worker knows that they are valued and that their work is meaningful.

On National Food Service Worker Day, we’re sending volunteers to restaurants across the country to thank their teams and educate them about Giving Kitchen.

Any food service worker can Ask For Help from Giving Kitchen, and we want to make sure that they all know that we’ve got their back.

Giving Kitchen is a nonprofit serving food service workers in crisis with financial assistance and a network of community resources. Since its founding, Giving Kitchen has helped over 31,000 food service workers and awarded more than $16 million in financial assistance.