2009 has been a challenging year for restaurants as operators have been forced to close their doors in record numbers due to slower traffic and rising costs. Acknowledging these very real economic pressures, Restaurant.com announced today the return of “Feed It Forward,” a 30-day initiative to celebrating the gift of giving during the holidays. Now until Christmas, individuals can share a total of three million $10 Restaurant.com gift certificates for free, which will result in filling as many as three million tables at restaurants nationwide.

Household cutbacks, job losses and foreclosures still loom large, affecting people’s lives and abilities to give during the holidays. A down economy also has the potential to deprive people of the gift of giving, a harsh reality during the time of year when giving matters most. Restaurant.com announced today the return of “Feed It Forward,” a 30-day initiative to support the important act of giving, despite these persistent economic hardships. Now until Christmas, individuals are entitled to give up to $9,000 in Restaurant.com gift certificates, from a total pool of $30 million, to family, friends and co-workers located anywhere in the country—at no cost.

“Dads” may not be well known for their sense of style or grace, but they are well aware of how quickly their children can empty their wallets. As the recession lingers, “savings and value” have become a necessity that fatherly figures everywhere can identify with. As a trusted savings resource, Restaurant.com has tapped its own hard working dads to determine what gifts might be better left unopened, along with other presents deemed meaningful without requiring extra spending.

Restaurant.com, the trusted and valued source connecting diners and restaurants nationwide, thinks that a Mother’s Day meal is the perfect time to show mom you care by dazzling her with polished tableside manners. Turning off mobile devices, respecting the wait staff, keeping language clean, leaving belches at the bar and remembering that mom is also a “Lady” were among 10 tips suggested by in-house Restaurant.com employees, who are also moms.