CHARLESTON — On Wednesday, Aug. 25, West Virginia Delegate Kayla Young, W.Va. State Senator Rich Lindsay, Kanawha County Commissioner Ben Salango, Charleston City Councilmembers Keeley Steele and Jennifer Pharr will announce that the state of West Virginia will partner with One Fair Wage and RAISE: High Road Restaurants to distribute $50,000 in much-needed relief for restaurant owners and essential workers, as well as community members in need.

Funding for the program, called High Road Kitchens, comes from One Fair Wage. The announcement is expected to take place at noon Wednesday, Aug. 25 at Starlings Coffee and Provisions, 1599A Washington Street East, Charleston, WV 25311.

Restaurant owners may apply at bit.ly/highroadkitchenswv.

“I believe raising wages in WV is a great start to helping find much needed workers, help raise our population, help raise families that want to stay, and incentivize folks to move back. I have only seen great things happen after implementing better wages, and tip pool, at our restaurant, Starlings Coffee & Provisions. There is a true partnership that has happened with front, and back of the house employees. As a bonus our customers have been nothing but supportive, and generous, knowing our staff is getting paid fairly. We have always been community oriented, but we also want our entire state to thrive. We are happy to partner with One Fair Wage’s High Road Kitchens program to continue our community appreciation, and help other restaurant families around the state,” said Charleston Councilmember Keeley Steele.

“One Fair Wage is delighted to partner with the state of West Virginia to bring its highly successful High Road Kitchens program to the state,” said Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage. “Launched in Michigan, California, New York City, Boston, Chicago and more, One Fair Wage’s High Road Kitchens program will provide grants to restaurants in West Virginia that commit to paying One FairWage to all workers — a full minimum wage with tips on top — and provide free meals to community members in need. We applaud CM Steele, CM Pharr, Senator Lindsay and Delegate Young’s work with One Fair Wage to create meaningful relief for West Virginia’s restaurant industry that will be more sustainable and equitable for struggling employers and thousands of essential workers alike.”

To sign up, visit: bit.ly/highroadkitchenswv.