Early this week, Sonia Zachow from La Casa Toscana delivered meals to health care providers in the ICU and Emergency Rooms at St. James Hospital…and wanted to do more to help those on the front lines. Local restaurants got together (via Zoom) to talk about how they could help support health care providers by donating meals. Even though many local restaurants are going through difficult times from only being open for takeout and delivery during this pandemic, they still wanted to help and give back to the Butte community and those working on the front lines.

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At the same time, some amazing Butte-based businesses have been stepping up to buy meals for front line workers and emergency personnel. Individuals have asked how they can help be part of this effort too. 

 

The Butte Chapter of FLAG (Front Line Appreciation Group) was started to join the efforts of restaurant owners, Headwaters RC&D/SBDC, the St. James Foundation, Butte businesses, and some very enthusiastic community members. This program is a consolidated effort dedicated to helping provide meals for Butte’s front line health care workers…while also supporting our local restaurants during this difficult time. 

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Funds raised through the community (individuals, businesses, matching funds, etc.) are used to purchase and deliver meals from local restaurants to front line health care workers at various health care facilities. These meals are prepared and delivered in accordance with appropriate safety protocols and social distancing policies. 

 

Stronger together, this program creates a mutual benefit for the community, local restaurants, and front line health care workers. It allows the community to support those on the front lines and local businesses (especially when volunteer opportunities are sparse due to social distancing). It provides a sustainable model for restaurants to nourish our front line health care providers and supports them financially as they continue to operate during these difficult times. It gives those on the front lines a much needed (and delicious!) meal as they work tirelessly and selflessly to provide care to those in need. 

 

A $15 donation will provide a meal for a health care worker on the front lines. It will also support the many local Butte restaurants that we know and love. 

 

Donations are being accepted via PayPal. We are currently working on a way to accept donations via check while staying in compliance with shelter-in-place and social distancing guidelines. 

 

If you have any questions about the program or donations, please contact Megan Babin at ButteFLAG@gmail.com.