Across the country, the need for social distancing has impacted many industries. One industry in particular stands at high risk for economic catastrophe is the community of small batch bakeries and coffee shops that are privately owned and operated as a small local business.  Potential quarantine action by the President could  have a catastrophic effect on our small businesses.

Owners of these small businesses are self-employed, and rely on regular and new customers to pay both business and personal bills. Our families are facing a long list of economic catastrophes: losing our homes, retirements, extreme debt/bankruptcy, inability to provide food for our children and/or pay for much needed health care. 

There is already no paid time off/sick leave for self-employment, so many are forced to choose between potential bankruptcy or struggling to remain open.  Bakeries already have above-average knowledge of specific sanitation practices but as we struggle to stay open to pay our bills, our staff and service our community, we continue to be exposed to airborne transmission with every possible cough or sneeze from our customers. 

The need for an Economic Hardship package is immediate and should include the following; 

-$100 billion in government-backed, low interest loans, to help support the the self-employment income that is disappearing 

AND

-Equal relief/aid funding of self-employed bakery owners, as we are not covered under the current proposed relief bills being voted on at the Federal level

We the undersigned plead with our elected officials to hear our warnings and cries for help as we not only see our own economic plight but also the sacrifice of our livelihoods as we struggle to serve our communities. 

Respectfully, 

Debra LaRocca-Walker

Small Bakery/Coffee Shop Owner