HOUSTON – As families across the Texas Hill Country continue to recover from the devastating floods that swept through the region over the Fourth of July weekend, a Houston-based nonprofit is stepping in to help a community that often serves others first: food and beverage workers.
The Southern Smoke Foundation, co-founded by James Beard Award-winning chef Chris Shepherd, has committed $150,000 to launch the Hill Country Relief Fund—specifically to support restaurant workers, bartenders, baristas, farmers, and others across the hospitality industry who were impacted by the floods.
“We’re all kind of hurting and mourning here, but the impact is nationwide,” said Catarina Bill, the foundation’s Director of Outreach and Development. “As a disaster relief organization, this is part of our mission.”
Founded in 2015, SSF’s original mission was to raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. Now, they address a wide range of issues, from providing mental health resources to food and beverage workers, to raising money for an all-encompassing emergency relief fund.
What the relief fund offers
Applications for the Hill Country-specific fund will open on August 15. However, Southern Smoke is urging anyone facing urgent needs—such as medical bills or funeral expenses—to apply now through their existing emergency relief fund.
“The devastation is large and wide,” Bill said. “Some businesses are completely destroyed. Others are closed indefinitely. People won’t be able to return to work for months, if at all.”
The fund will be available to anyone in the American food chain, including:
- Restaurant staff
- Bartenders and baristas
- Ranchers and farmers
- Food truck workers
- Business owners and operators
Applicants must work at least 30 hours a week in the industry and have six months of experience. The foundation says they’re prioritizing vulnerable applicants, including low-income workers, families where both earners work in the industry, and those caring for children or elderly relatives.
Mental health support also available
Beyond financial aid, the foundation is expanding its Behind You mental health program, offering no-cost counseling to food and beverage workers in Texas and across 10 states.
“This industry is already high stress,” said Bill. “And when disaster strikes, it hits even harder. A lot of folks are trying to serve others while going through trauma themselves. We want to make sure they have someone to talk to.”
The mental health program is offered in partnership with the University of Houston, and employment verification is required to enroll.
How to apply or donate
To apply for assistance or contribute to the Hill Country Relief Fund, visit SouthernSmoke.org. The organization says Sysco is matching up to $15,000 in donations to help extend their support.
Bill emphasized that applying for help is completely confidential.
“We hear it all the time—‘Is Chris Shepherd going to know I applied?’ The answer is no,” she said. “This process is private, and we’re here to walk you through it every step of the way.”
Texans helping Texans
Bill says that while the damage from the flood is heartbreaking, the response from the community has been inspiring. Restaurants across Texas are donating proceeds from menu items, and some have even merged spaces to keep struggling businesses afloat.
“That’s the food and beverage industry,” she said. “It’s full of passion and people who jump in to help each other. Our job is to be the safety net when they need someone behind them.”
Southern Smoke Foundation
Whether there are unforeseen hardships or mental health needs, our funds and resources help those who put food on the table. No ask is too big or too small.
