PROBLEMS AT A GLANCE
Programming and community engagement are at the core of our strategy. We invest heavily in supporting the development of integrated solutions and delivering reliable tools to those who need them most. Discover more about our innovative campaigns below and get in touch to stay up to date regarding our latest efforts.
RESTAURANTS ARE MAJOR EMPLOYERS
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There are around 15 million restaurant employees in the United States.
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Restaurant work makes up 10% of the overall U.S. workforce.
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1.6 million new restaurant jobs will be created by 2028, according to the "National Restaurant Association"
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In The Weeds directly serves this massive and necessary workforce by addressing challenges in the restaurant industry.
PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
Based on Recent Studies Conducted by Unite
44%
of chefs report working 48-60 hours each week, with 14% working in excess of 60+ hours each week
50%
of kitchen workers reported that they are regularly expected to stay after their shift had officially ended
69%
Answered YES, they believe that their work hours impacted their health
78%
of chefs have had an accident or near miss at work due to fatigue
51%
of chefs suffer from depression due to long hours
56%
of chefs reported taking painkillers, alcohol (27%), and other stimulants (41%) to get them through a shift
GLORIFICATION OF ABUSE CULTURE
Violence and abuse in restaurant kitchens have been normalized and glorified in food media such as Gordon Ramsay Hell’s Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares - even the children’s cartoon Ratatouille portrays an angry and aggressive chef character.
These networks profit from emphasizing that toxic environment and may be a disservice to the industry’s progress.
It’s been nearly 20 years since Anthony Bourdain helped glamorize not only unhealthy work schedules, but also an aggressive, male-driven culture of restaurants’ back of house in Kitchen Confidential — a legacy which he later apologized and tried to make up for.
ALARMING RATES OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT
The rate of sexual harassment among female restaurant workers is THE HIGHEST OF ANY INDUSTRY. Twice the rate of the general workforce.
EQUAL
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
COMMISSION
"ONE FAIR WAGE" AND SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCH SOLUTIONS
More than 70% of women who work as servers, bartenders or in other food industry roles say they've been sexually harassed by their employers, coworkers or customers.
HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
More sexual harassment claims in the U.S. are filed in the restaurant industry than any other industry, with as many as 90% of women and 70% of men reporting some form of sexual harassment.
THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY NOW TO SHIFT THE CULTURE
Thankfully the public is now reckoning with all kinds of abusive workplaces.
Working in a kitchen does not and should not excuse abuse.
Chefs, Restaurant Owners, and other industry veterans have started multiple support groups and organizations to facilitate discussions about mental health in the restaurant industry for employees who may be suffering from mental illness.
These Are Some Organizations That Give Us Hope
CHEFS WITH ISSUES
Started by Kat Kinsman, the organization acts as a support outlet and resource center for restaurant workers suffering from depression or substance abuse.
BEN'S FRIENDS
This Online Support Group, founded in honor of Charleston Chef, Ben Murray, was created as a safe haven and support group for restaurant professionals who suffer from addiction and substance abuse.
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS
Organizations like
Big Table in Washington State
and
Giving Kitchen in Atlanta, Georgia
are also available to help professionals access resources for mental health in the restaurant industry on a local level.