Warren Rosenfeld Launches Delmarva Gift Cards Fighting Hunger

Riding his bike last week, Warren Rosenfeld had an inspiration. He was thinking some mentions on social media about people who were struggling and going hungry. Then he thought about how business in his own restaurants and dozens of others on the Shore was down, with take-out as the only option. He was sure there was a way to connect the two – and the initiative “Delmarva Gift Cards Fighting Hunger” was born.

The idea is simple. People who can buy gift cards from local restaurants and leave them “on account” at the restaurant, as a donation. Then, people who need food can order meals from those restaurants for pick up (and sometimes for delivery. “First and foremost, people need to eat,” said Rosenfeld. “But we also want restaurants to remain viable until the threat of COVID-19 lessens, and the economy stabilizes. I thought if I could convince people to buy gift cards from the restaurants of their choice in order to feed others, we could help both.”

Just a little more than a week in, the initiative has raised nearly $2,500 in donated cards across more than a dozen restaurants. “We fed 15 people the first week and they were located between across the Lower Shore. Now we are helping St. Anne’s, Diakonia, and Wicomico Partnership for Families & Children. People are referring to others who need help to the Facebook page and new restaurants are signing on.”
Rosenfeld says there are three ways to help: 1) buy gift cards, 2) drivers are needed for pick up delivery to families, and 3) nominate a family in need. Restaurants currently participating include WORCESTER County – Boxcar 40, The Surfing Rooster, Lido’s Pizza Ocean City, Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli, Dairy Queen, 45th Street Tap House and Carrabba’s’ Italian Grille. SUSSEX County: Pete’s Steak Shop, Kickin’ Chicken, Rosenfeld’s Jewish Deli, Kacey’s Delight, Housten-White & Co., Touch of Italy, and The Wheelhouse. The first to join in WICOMICO County is The Farmer’s Wife.