( Washington , D.C. ) As part of its ongoing campaign to tell the story of America 's restaurants, the National Restaurant Association today unveiled its latest "America Works Here" advertisement highlighting the industry's commitment to local communities through charitable giving.

" America 's restaurants serve more than great food, they respond in times of need and nourish communities nationwide," said Scott DeFife, Executive Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the National Restaurant Association. "When you support a restaurant, you support your community and your neighbors."

According to National Restaurant Association research, the restaurant industry donates nearly $3 billion to charitable efforts every year. Ninety-four percent of America 's restaurant operators made charitable contributions in 2010, and 92 percent supported local organizations and charities. Seventy-three percent of operators made donations for hunger relief, and 70 percent made cash donations.

The National Restaurant Association launched the America Works Here campaign in an effort to educate policymakers as to the breadth, depth, scope and influence of the restaurant industry on the American economy. The restaurant industry is the nation's second-largest private-sector employer, a provider of nearly 13 millions jobs, and an engine of economic growth where organizations go for the philanthropic support that helps them do great work in local communities across the country.

See the latest America Works Here ad here. Learn more at www.restaurant.org/AmericaWorksHere.