Integrative Thinking Dialogue

Small Business Owner: My restaurant has really been struggling ever since the pandemic started. These shut downs have really been killing our business. First everything was completely shut down for months - we tried to stay open for takeout, but keeping everyone on staff was just not feasible - I could only operate with a skeleton crew of cooks. I didn't want to lose my staff, but I don't know what else to do for them.

Government Official: I understand, but we can't take any chances with this virus. We have to keep distancing measures in place until our numbers are down, and if your restaurant can't operate outdoors, you'll need to find alternate ways to bring in business. At this time, take out and delivery are permitted, and we advise you to follow CDC guidelines - masks, 6 ft apart at all times, gloves when handling food. And limited contact with customers.

SBO: We had to pay a fortune to get minimal PPE - even with reduced staff. And supplies have been backed up - I'm not confident we'll be able to restock by the time we run out. Plus now we have all of this excess stock of food that we can't sell that's gonna go bad before we can use it. 

Non-Profit Organization: With all these workers that were already living paycheck to paycheck and are now without jobs, we've seen a massive increase in the number of people coming to the food bank. We have so much more demand practically overnight but not nearly enough supply. Our financial reserves could only get us so far buying up surplus inventory from suppliers. I know they're hurting too - they're not going to be able to absorb their losses just to donate the extra supply.

GO: We're working on another stimulus package right now that hopes to address some of this. Direct payments to every single person in America, grants and forgivable loans for small businesses. 

SBO: I couldn't even get access to the PPP funds. That was completely mishandled - something needs to be done to make sure it's actually going to the people who need it. And that $1,200 payment couldn't even cover a month's rent for most of the staff I had to lay off. What they need is rent relief, and regular payments for at least basic necessities.

NPO: And that still feels to address our funding and distribution. What we need is the Defense Production Act. Someone needs to step in and get private industry to reallocate their resources.

GO: We are doing the best we can to offer support where it's needed. But we're not here to offer handouts and regulate private industry. This is a delicate balance and it's going to be a hard sell to pass a new stimulus bill if we try to propose regular payments. And manufacturers can and have done this voluntarily without the government coming in and enforcing it.

NPO: Well there has to be a middle ground. Clearly we have more than enough supply and demand to match. It's just a matter of connecting them in a way that's not being done. Let's think about what's still working right now and what we might need to do to get around some of these barriers.

SBO: I hate to have all our excess food go to waste, but there are legal and safety issues around giving it away. It's really just cheaper to throw it out than to try to do something with it. And we don't have the resources to figure out who would want it, let alone how to get it there. I know Panera donates their leftover bread… they're a big company though and probably have more resources than we do.

NPO: The financial trade-off doesn’t have to be that way. You can write off these donations instead of counting them as a loss. I know a non-profit you can partner with called Rethink. They can help you handle all the logistics with pick up and distribution. Plus it's good PR for you - word gets out that you're doing this, people will be glad to come back and support the business. We'll spread it all over our social media and email newsletters, local news… 

GO: It's actually not illegal to give away food. There are federal and state Good Samaritan laws to protect businesses from liability for donations made in good faith.(1)

NPO: World Central Kitchen has also done an amazing job of bridging the gaps between restaurants and workers, food suppliers, and organizations feeding people. They could be another potential partner. They’ve even been able to give jobs to laid off restaurant workers.

SBO: That’s great. I'll be happy to not waste what we have. But the reality is we still need help in the meantime but we figure all this out. Non-profits aren't going to be able to pick up all the slack. We need relief and we need to know we can get PPE. 

GO: You need to understand that I am in a difficult position being pulled between multiple interests. Farmers and meat and dairy processors are priority - without them we would have no food supply to begin with. Between schools and hotels and airlines not buying their usual supplies, they're suffering major blows.

NPO: Again, we need the Defense Production Act. Like you said, plenty of businesses have already stepped up and done this voluntarily because it's just good business. It keeps the lights on for them and keeps people working. Don't think of it as regulation, think of it as good for business and the economy, and a necessary nudge for companies that may be afraid to take the risk.

SBO: We're not even asking for regulation and handouts. But the resources and money have to come from somewhere. There must be a way to partner with the private sector... Look at Amazon - they're still turning a profit - they haven't slowed down one bit. As long as people have stuff to sell on the marketplace, there will always be supply. And they can still deliver things within a day. 

NPO: Yes - we need incentives for large businesses to put more funding into where it's needed most. Think of it like war bonds. If regulation and mandates don't get bipartisan support, incentives will.

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