GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Jessica Ann Tyson, owner of The Candied Yam, feels that a big part of food is coming together to enjoy it around the table with friends and family.
So the stay-at-home mandate from the governor hit her and her staff pretty hard.
"I was devastated, absolutely devastated" Tyson said. "The co-experience is to dine together, to enjoy food."
Like many other local restaurants, the amount of orders coming in for her food has dramatically diminished.
But she's found a way to keep herself and the remaining staff busy with something she calls "Random yams of kindness." Tyson has been scouring social media, looking for those in need, so she can pay it forward and give them some free food.
"It's a give back," Tyson said. "We need some humanity at this time. We need to not lose the pulse on why we opened, to cook this food with love. We pick a place and ... drop off our delicious Southern cuisine (to) whoever we can find an opportunity to bless."
So far, she's given food to those going through chemotherapy, daycare centers and others.
You can reach The Candied Yam at 616-551-3509 if you want to support the restaurant by placing an order. It is located at 2305 44th St. SE.
As part of our We're Open partnership with local businesses, especially restaurants, FOX 17 West Michigan is promoting #TakeoutTuesday every week to help restaurants get through this tough time.
To find local restaurants you can support right now, visit our #TakeoutTuesday page. And as you you support them, share your photos and stories with us by adding the hashtag #TakeoutTuesday or #OpenWestMichigan.