It's nice to know that even though people are without jobs, sufficient income, and the government is sliding more into debt that there are those that refuse to let people live without the basic necessities. An interesting example of this is Panera's "Pay What you Can" Cafe.
What's even more interesting is it's success. Here's the article...
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/43050301/ns/business-retail
There are a few key things to take away from this type of social outreach. First of all, it works. It works because people are real about giving what they can, when they can. It would be extremely easy to pay a dollar everyday and completely screw Panera. But that is exactly the opposite of what is happening. Hats off to the honest people that are making this work.
A face-lift for community kitchens:
Just because people aren't stereotypically clad like homeless, poor people on the street doesn't mean they are not struggling in the current economy. The typical image that comes to mind is a soup kitchen line full of obviously impoverished people asking for a hand. Panera has taken a step towards recognizing that people need help, without creating a spectacle out of their situations.
They are making profits.. and they are putting those profits to good use. As mentioned in the article the few thousand dollars earned in profit each month is being used constructively for at-risk youths. 'Nuff said.
Is this a new trend getting ready to take off across the nation? Unfortunately, I doubt it. But it is most definitely a great sign and a drop of hope. And who knows, perhaps other business will also recognize the need for this type of assistance in communities and employ their own type of community service. I look forward to seeing the results of such a successful campaign from Panera. Either way, thanks for the optimism.
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