GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A local family whose roots run deep in the communities of Biggs, Live Oak and Gridley has taken it on themselves to rally their neighbors’ help to support small businesses, especially restaurants.

April Walton started “Make the Pledge Biggs, Gridley and Live Oak” Facebook page as the second round of heavy COVID restrictions came down on already hard-hit restaurants. April says that she was inspired to take action by witnessing a friend’s struggle to keep their small business afloat after COVID became the cherry on-top of a few tough years. She questions, now that they “are just starting to get their feet underneath them again” being hit with this “latest hurdle” imposed by the Governor and the Blueprint For a Safer Economy’s operational restrictions, “how many more situations can these small businesses survive?”

The answer is, sadly, not many. That’s why April enlisted the help of husband Jed Walton and together they are urging businesses and residents of the communities of Biggs, Gridley and Live Oak to pledge to purchase 1 meal a week from a local small business each week. The “Make the Pledge: Biggs, Gridley and Live Oak”  was designed to be a fun way to show businesses community support and April urges those who make the pledge to share photos of them and their families enjoying their meals on the page, a newly discovered favorite on the menu, etc. The Waltons visited small restaurants in our area explaining what their goal was and asking them to post mini-business bios, COVID adaptions like delivery or curbside pick-up options, mini-menus and specials on the “Pledge” Facebook page so that the community is aware of all available services. April is planning incentives for pledgers, such as weekly raffles for gift certificates to local restaurants.

When you take a close look, many small businesses in our community give back in a big way. Big Momma’s BBQ has donated food to disaster survivors or those that have fallen on hard times. Esteban’s Tacos, Burgers and Brews in Live Oak has donated gift cards to students that have worked hard to achieve good grades and have opened their doors and offered free food to families evacuated by flood and fire. Casa Lupe in Gridley is constantly supporting the community, helping behind the scenes providing food goods for fundraisers and much more. Pizza Factory in Live Oak provides free pizza to High School and community/church groups.  

These businesses give back so much but do it without asking for acknowledgment or praise. Run by families in our communities, these restaurants become part of our community family. April says, “it felt like it was an opportunity to have a community comeback and show some love for the people that love on us really well” the small businesses that support our community.

To make the pledge, or if you are a small business interested in participating, visit “Make the Pledge Biggs, Gridley, Live Oak” Facebook page.