As the local restaurant community continues taking major hits from the coronavirus crisis causing many to close their doors or forced to idle employees, there are ways you can help your favorite eateries stay afloat, writes Michael Klein for The Philadelphia Inquirer.

You can donate money regionally to help support the wider restaurant community. The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association has created a Hospitality Assistance Response of Pennsylvania relief fund for hospitality workers. The fund distributes one-time $250 grants to jobless industry workers on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If you want to donate directly to your favorite restaurant, call and ask if there is a fund. Many have established GoFundMe campaigns and are selling gift cards.

You can also buy food from many restaurants as many of them now offer carryout and delivery. To ensure your favorite restaurant gets most of your money, call directly to bypass the apps that charge exorbitant fees. Also, make sure to tip their hardworking staff well

If a restaurant offers merchandise, you can also buy a T-shirt or mug which could help feed a restaurateur’s family.

Read more about how best to help the restaurant community at The Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.