How New York Restaurants Are Fueling Hospitals with Hope and Hot Meals

As the COVID-19 crisis pushed healthcare workers to the brink and left restaurants fighting to stay open, a heartwarming trend emerged across New York: local eateries began donating hot meals to hospital staff.

From bento boxes to rice bowls and even frozen treats, these meals offered more than just nourishment; they became a way to say thank you to the heroes on the frontlines.

Why Restaurants Stepped In

Hospital staff often have limited time to leave the premises and face social stigma or exhaustion after long shifts. Even though hospitals offer their food services, donated meals from beloved local spots provide much-needed variety, comfort, and morale boosts.

These efforts are not only a lifeline for healthcare workers but also a powerful way for small businesses to stay active, connected, and supported by their communities.

Restaurants Giving Back to Frontline Workers

Sarge's Delicatessen & Diner (NYC)

A 55-year-old Jewish-style deli, Sarge’s, delivered hearty portions of matzo ball soup and other classics to NYU Langone Health. Known for its in-house pastrami and 24/7 service, Sarge’s now also ships nationwide and offers local delivery.

Local Burger (Bayshore)

Serving hand-pressed burgers, local brews, and house-smoked barbecue, Local Burger provides weekly meals to Southside Hospital (Northwell Health).

886 (East Village)

This casual Taiwanese eatery turned customer donations into an impactful meal donation program. Chef Eric Sze used funds to deliver over 7,400 bento boxes to 12 NYC hospitals, starting with Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Ralph’s Famous Italian Ices & Ice Cream

A New York staple since 1928, Ralph’s brought frozen joy to healthcare workers at Staten Island South Hospital, Huntington Hospital, and Nassau County 911 dispatch with their Italian ices and custards.

FieldTrip (Harlem)

Chef JJ Johnson’s rice bowl-focused restaurant became a giving hub. After sending an initial batch of meals to Harlem Hospital Center, a fan donated funds for 170 additional bowls, split between Harlem and Mount Sinai Hospital.

La Famiglia (Smithtown, Babylon Village, Plainview)

This family-style Italian restaurant started with a goal to donate 50 meals daily to seniors and vulnerable groups. Thanks to overwhelming community support, they expanded to serve healthcare staff at St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center as well.

How You Can Help

If you’d like to support these restaurants while helping our healthcare heroes, here’s how:

• Donate directly through their websites

• Order takeout or delivery

• Purchase gift cards for future use

• Spread the word on social media

Every order makes a difference for the restaurant and a healthcare worker.

As the pandemic tested every corner of society, the restaurant community rose with resilience and generosity. These stories of support remind us that when communities come together over food and compassion, we all heal faster.