The Texas Conference for Women with the Texas Restaurant Association will launch a new initiative that will grant more than $150,000 to women-owned restaurants in Texas.

The Texas Conference for Women will donate the grant funds to the Texas Restaurant Association's Texas Restaurant Relief Fund in aims to help women in an industry that has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative will give around $2,500 each to more than 60 women-owned restaurants across Texas. Restaurants that will receive the grant will be selected through an application process to the Texas Restaurant Association.

Hopeful restaurants can apply at their website. Chosen restaurants will be announced in September.

TRA said that women are shouldering a huge proportion of those who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women made up for 60 percent of job losses in March.

TRA said that women are more likely to be affected by the increased caregiving obligations from shuttered schools and daycare centers.

"While these systemic inequities need to be addressed, as a community of women, we are committed to supporting other women - and hope this will provide some relief," Carla Piñeyro Sublett, Texas Conference for Women Board President, was quoted in a report.

The non-partisan, nonprofit Texas Conference Women, has been committed to promoting gender equality and increasing the influence of women in the workplace and beyond for more than 20 years.

Texas restaurants have lost more than 700,000 jobs with the pandemic. With this, restaurants have been forced to lay off thousands of employees.

"Working women in this industry need particular support right now. (This initiative is) focused on how companies can create inclusive environments where women can thrive," Emily Williams Knight, Ed.D., president, and CEO of TRA, was quoted.

Knight said that they are thrilled at the partnership between TRA and the Texas Conference for Women.

Aside from the grants, all those who attended the Texas Conference for Women will receive $20 vouchers.

These vouchers can be used at participating restaurants in efforts to help drive business to struggle eateries.

Over 8,000 attendees are expected to join the 21st annual Texas Conference for Women.

The event will feature key speakers such as global philanthropist Melinda Gates, actor and producer Issa Rae, and author and poet Elizabeth Acevedo.

The event will also give an opportunity to engage with speakers and each other, support women-owned businesses and women in business.

Food Business Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic

Restaurant operations across the country have experienced a huge setback with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Some states have shut down bars and restaurants after outbreaks were traced back to such establishments.

Survey says that consumers are avoiding restaurants, bars, and coffee shops more than ever now, according to a Coresight Research survey.

The survey consists of 400 respondents. A total of 61.9 percent of respondents said they were avoiding those establishments,

Full-service restaurants have been affected by the shift in consumers' behavior. Fast-food restaurants appeared to rely on their drive-thru lanes to drive sales.

Their cheap deals also appeal to financially troubled consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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