Item 3. Good Work Austin, Kara Hanaoka - June 2026 — original pdf

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Our Mission To foster healthy careers in the local food and beverage industry through professional development and advocacy for more equitable practices Our Vision A healthier Austin connected and uplifted by the local food and beverage community We create better jobs and fair treatment for food workers Good Work AustinGood Work Austin Lowest paid occupational group Highest uninsured rate of any occupational group FOOD WORKERS 65,000$2.13 ANHOURMINIMUM TIPPEDWAGE FOR WORKERS50% RESTAURANTS REPORTEDLABOR SHORTAGESINCOMEIS 25% LESS THAN WHAT ISCONSIDERED A LIVINGWAGE$22.05$16.50CITY OF AUSTIN LIVING WAGE(2025)AVERAGE FOODWORKERS WAGE(2025)IN AUSTIN & TRAVIS COUNTYSource: Austin/Travis County Food Plan (2024), Texas Restaurant Association, Austin Business Journal, City of Austin(2023), Supply Chain Vulnerability AssessmentU.S. Bureau of Labor Satistics (2025) , Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations$9.6BAUSTIN METRO IMPACTFROM FOOD & BEVERAGEINDUSTRY50% WORKERS ARESATISFIED WITHWAGESLARGEST OCCUPATIONALGROUP3rdGood Work Austin Healthy Workplaces champions improved workplace policies through advocacy, training, resouces, and networking. Having trained hundreds of industry professionals, we’re driving positive change throughout our community and advocating for policies that benefit the 65,000 food workers in Austin. Community Kitchen pays local restaurants every day to provide nutritious meals for food-insecure communities. Since May 2020, we’ve distributed over two million meals, distributing more than $10 million back into Austin’s local economy and supporting the survival of local eateries. Culinary Workforce Training offers a free 9-week training opportunity for individuals facing employment barriers, equipping them with essential skills to succeed in the restaurant industry. Due to increasing demand, we have expanded to three annual training cohorts to address labor shortages within the sector. Good Work Austin Our Members Make It PossibleFind an interactive map of our Members hereGood Work Austin’s member businessesare more than just great places to eat anddrink—they are committed to creating abetter food industry. They go the extramile to provide fair wages, benefits, andsafe working conditions for theiremployees while serving up delicious foodand hospitality.Good Work Austin Food Plan: Goal 3Strategy 3.4: Support livable wages for food workersthrough incentives such as rebates, tax incentives, andwage supplements for food system employers who pay alivable wage.Strategy 3.6 Recognize and support businesses in thefood industry that pay livable wages, support workerownership, promote fair labor practices, and offer careerpathways to their employees.Good Work Austin HEALTHCARE ACCESSPILOTNo-cost health coverage for restaurant andhospitality workers in Travis County Good Work Austin Pilot ModelGood Work Austin Partnership between Good Work Austin and Central Health, the public hospital district for Travis County 1. Apply Online – Fill out a short, free application to check your eligibility. 3. Enroll in Coverage – If approved, Foundation Communities will help enroll in a Sendero Silver Plan, with premiums fully covered. 2. Eligibility Review – GWA confirms employment, income, and residency. 4. Stay Covered – Good Work Austin will provide help using your plan and keeping your healthcare active. How Does It Work Good Work Austin Are currently employed in the food and beverage industry (restaurant, bar, café, catering, food truck, etc.) Live in Travis County If you earn between $19,562 and $31,300 a year (about $400–$650 a week) before taxes are taken out Are uninsured and not currently enrolled in MAP, MAP Basic, Medicaid, or Medicare Are a U.S. citizen or lawfully present non-citizen Are seeking individual coverage (you, or you + spouse only; no children) Who’s Eligible? Good Work Austin Enrolled 25 individuals in the pilot Monthly check-ins with enrollees Weekly health literacy education shared with participants Case management support provided for insurance transitions, employment changes, and prescription access Coordination with Sendero Health Plans, Foundation Communities, and Central Health to resolve coverage issues quickly What We Have Delivered Good Work Austin Pre-assessment survey results (22 respondents) 64% did not have health insurance prior to the program 41% reported difficulty accessing healthcare when needed Only 23% felt very confident using health insurance benefits at intake 55% were only somewhat confident scheduling preventive care appointments Survey responses show strong demand for support with healthcare navigation and receiving educational support Early Participant Insights Good Work Austin I would not have access to healthcare this year if not for this program. Healthcare Pilot Participant I have just recently used it and all of my prescriptions were covered which was nice. But for me to have insurance is life changing in the restaurant business. It's almost unheard of. Thank you. Healthcare Pilot Participant Participant Impact Good Work Austin Enrollment challenges around income limitations 35% of program applicants made too much to qualify Participants often need support navigating insurance systems and account access Employment and income changes require proactive coordination to avoid coverage gaps Healthcare literacy support is a critical component of successful enrollment and utilization Challenges & Learnings Good Work Austin Complete evaluation and sustainbility reports Continue monthly participant support and healthcare education Advocate for Central Health to continue program into 2027 Assess opportunity to expand model and coverage options Next Steps Good Work Austin S t r a t e g y 3 . 4 : S u p p o r t l i v a b l e w a g e s f o r f o o d w o r k e r s t h r o u g h i n c e n t i v e s s u c h a s r e b a t e s , t a x i n c e n t i v e s , a n d w a g e s u p p l e m e n t s f o r f o o d s y s t e m e m p l o y e r s w h o p a y a l i v a b l e w a g e The Challenge Food preparation and serving occupations have the lowest average wages of any major occupational group Food workers experience some of the highest rates of being uninsured Independent restaurants and food businesses often operate on thin margins, making it difficult to increase wages and benefits The Opportunity Direct the City of Austin to create a new pilot business incentive A Healthy Food Worker Rebate Pilot would reward food and beverage businesses that invest in: Living wages Healthcare access Paid leave Creates a practical pathway for small, locally owned businesses to improve job quality Healthy Worker Rebate Good Work Austin Contact Information Kara Hanaoka kara@goodworkaustin.org