SkipTheDishes commits over $15M to help amid COVID-19 crisis

April 23, Winnipeg, Man. – SkipTheDishes food delivery service app is giving an additional estimated $10 million back to communities and restaurant partners through a variety of meaningful commitments.

At the start of the COVID-19 crisis, SkipTheDishes launched a 30-day support package for restaurants on its network that has since directed more than $5 million back to its partners across the country. The company will be extending this support package, which includes a rebate of 25 per cent to help local and independent restaurant partners whose dining rooms remain closed. This initiative will give more than $10 million back to restaurants through direct rebates and marketing support.

“Restaurants are the heart and soul of communities across Canada and the industry is facing unprecedented hardships,” said SkipTheDishes CEO Kevin Edwards. “Though we know our support package doesn’t solve all of the challenges our restaurant partners are facing, we’re hoping it will help make an impact as we all work together to get through these exceptional times.”

As an immediate response to COVID-19, SkipTheDishes also introduced the option for customers to support local restaurants by directly leaving them a tip, with 100 per cent of contributions going directly to their restaurant of choice. In just a few short weeks, Skip customers have raised more than $200,000 to help neighbourhood eateries stay in business.

“The immediate outpouring of support we’ve seen from our customers in their local communities has been truly inspiring,” said Edwards. “Food continues to be a strengthening bond for many through these difficult times, and at its core SkipTheDishes is about feeding Canadians.”

Inspired by this generosity, SkipTheDishes is launching a $1-million partnership with Food Banks Canada, the leading national food bank network working to relieve hunger during this critical time, and beyond. The partnership starts with an immediate $200,000 donation to match the kindness of customers, with additional contributions to be made throughout the year.

“We’re beginning to see a surge in demand across Canada at local food banks as many more people have recently fallen on hard times,” said Chris Hatch, chief executive officer of Food Banks Canada. “This partnership with SkipTheDishes will help us restock empty shelves at food banks across the country and ensure food banks have the support needed to feed those in critical need.”