ANN ARBOR–The 9th annual CU Lunch Local is now complete, and for the first time ever was held with coronavirus-related restrictions in place.
Held during International Credit Union Week and sponsored by Michigan Business Connection, the goal is to give back to loyal businesses and restaurants while sharing a message of “buy local.”
According to MBC, this year may have been the most important ever for the event as many independent restaurants have lost revenue amid the coronavirus pandemic, a fact the CUSO noted credit unions know firsthand, as CUs have helped their business members through thousands of Paycheck Protection Program loan applications and continue to provide other financial relief to keep local businesses afloat.
“This year was especially important to spread the word to buy local,” said MBC CEO, Bill Beardsley. “With small locally owned businesses struggling to keep their doors open during the coronavirus pandemic, the CU Lunch Local movement was bigger than just one day this year.”
Although CU Lunch Local was officially acknowledged on October 13, 2020, participating credit unions and businesses were encouraged to go out of their way to buy locally all month long.
Meals for Staff
Many of the participants in CU Lunch Local were credit unions buying meals for their staff. Every year participating credit unions and organizations are asked to share on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram their meals and restaurants of choice while supporting the CU Lunch Local movement. This year CU staff shared pictures of pizza, coffee, nachos, and even desserts all from their locally owned restaurants.
MBC noted next year CU Lunch Local will celebrate its 10th year and will be on Oct. 12, 2021.
“Participation is easy if you would like to join the movement. Simply RSVP, and on the day of, treat your customers or staff to a warm cup of coffee or lunch from your favorite local eatery,” MBC said.