Recently on my show, “Books and Beyond” on SEC-TV, my guest was Elizabeth Saede, a local writer and editor. Usually, my show focused on helping people “personify their aspirations,” but in light of our continuing crisis, we took another tack.

Saede and I discussed how we could help the struggling food industry in our area. So many of our favorite places, already behind and just coming out of the “slow” season, were forced to close their doors or severely limit their operations due to the social distancing mandates.

Two of the best days of the year for restaurants, Valentine’s Day and Easter, were lost due to the pandemic. The owners of these establishments are standing in water up to their noses and praying another wave doesn’t come along. Their employees, the waitpersons, bartenders, kitchen staff and the myriad service providers, are also hanging from the side of the cliff, hoping the branch won’t break.

Remember, they are not just statistics or a percentage in the big scheme of things. They are our friends, our neighbors and a big part of our community. They need our support.

So, what can we do?

The answer is simple: take-out. A win-win for everyone. Ordering a meal from a local eatery not only helps them keep their doors open and as many people working as possible, you get to enjoy the tastes and textures of your favorite dishes from your favorite places.

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a stress-free meal. I know there is some dish you have been craving, so, stop denying yourself. You deserve the enjoyment.

In the past, I have exhorted you to “personify your aspirations” and to “watch small,” be involved in the community. Now, I would like to challenge you.

This weekend, it will be Mother’s Day. I’m afraid it’s going to be a tougher one than other years. Many of us will not be able to be with our mothers and family. It is disappointing, but we will get through it.

Some restaurants won’t. Mother’s Day is one of, if not the, biggest day of the year for them. The loss of income from that day will be devastating.

But perhaps we can turn that around a little. We have certainly shown we can flatten the curve on COVID-19 and I think, if we all pull together as a community, we can throw a lifeline to our floundering food industry.

So I challenge you all to plan on take-out for this Mother’s Day. Not just for yourselves; order something for Ma. With all the convenient delivery services, and the safe efficient take-out procedures that our restaurants already have in place, it just takes a simple call to make your Mother’s Day a special one.

Any mother out there can appreciate a worry-free meal and the loving thoughts that come with it. Even if you can’t be there with her, have something delivered.

Even if you are planning on cooking, you can pick up some tasty sides from places like McQuade’s or a rich dessert from Sift. The possibilities are endless.

One word of caution... well, two, really. Plan ahead! If you have ever jumped into the car on Mother’s Day and went to a restaurant without reservations, you know what I mean.

The restaurants need ample time to get the supplies and prepare that special meal for you and yours. They are operating on a shoestring now and will need a head’s up to do the best job they can for us.

So go online, or make a few calls, and make a plan to treat that someone special in your life this Mother’s Day. You’ll not only make her day special, but provide some relief for those who need it desperately.

Let’s celebrate our mothers and nourish our souls.

Jim Bennett of Mystic hosts a regular public-access television show on SEC-TV titled “Books and Beyond.”

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