Yankees to Give $50,000 inbr COVID-19 Relief to Local Businesses .br The New York Yankees are providing financial aidbr to businesses located near their stadium. .br They have committed to br 10 awards worth $5,000 each.br The team said a “majority” of the money would go toward br “local restaurants and food providers” becausebr food was the “greatest immediate need among residents.”.br The Yankees recognize the dire economicbr consequences wrought by COVID-19 inbr the vibrant neighborhood surroundingbr Yankee Stadium, and we are excited tobr move forward on this initiative, The New York Yankees, via Yes Network.br In addition to the financial awards, the Yankeesbr donated $200,000 worth of food vouchers tobr help families prepare their holiday meals.br They also directly donatedbr 68,000 pounds of food to those in need andbr thousands of holiday gifts to children. .br The team’s help comes asbr businesses around the Bronx continuebr to suffer due to the COVID-19 pandemic. .br Fans were banned from MLB stadiums during thebr 2020 season, meaning business drastically dropped. .br Joe Bastone, owner of the nearby Yankee Tavern,br said that even with outdoor dining he was onlybr doing five percent of usual business. .br The COVID epidemic has been devastatingbr to our business, especially with the closure ofbr indoor dining. , Joe Bastone, via 'New York Post'.