COVID-19 Resources
During all this craziness and uncertainity my heart and mind has been thinking about all those that may not be able to afford to stay home right now, and those especially that need food during this time. It’s scary enough at times to be told it’s safer to stay in your home. To worry about parents or grandparents and your own families needs. To not know what will happen to the economy, but what if you have a real need right now, like where will I get my next meal?
1 in 7 Kentuckians are food insecure and even more, Kentucky kids lack access to adequate food for a healthy, active lifestyle.
Food banks are skilled in disaster and emergency response. Food banks are coordinating with state and local agencies and disaster response teams to activate the strategies that will help us mitigate hunger in the weeks to come.
Feeding Ky’s state agencies, school districts, and community organizations are working around the clock to make sure all Kentuckians have food. Hundreds of meal sites across Kentucky are available for students, individuals, and families.
Together, we can ensure that all Kentuckians have access to the nourishing food they need in these challenging times.
Schools and community organizations are working hard to ensure kids still have access to healthy breakfasts and lunches when school is out of session during the coronavirus outbreak. The best way to find a free meal for students 18 and younger is to visit the Kentucky Department of Education website. It is updated daily with meal sites.
There are over 800 food pantries in Kentucky that are available to those that need support. To find one nearest you, download the University of Kentucky's FitBlue app. Feeding America, Kentucky’s Heartland is local to our home here in Elizabethtown, and Dare to Care Food Bank is located in Louisville if you need more resources in that area.
Most of the generous volunteer network is made up of older adults who are more vulnerable to COVID-19. They have been asked to stay home to protect themselves.
Due to this shortage, those who are healthy, are being asked to step up during this time of critical need so food banks can continue to feed vulnerable community members. They especially encourage high school and college students to respond. You can volunteer at your local food bank here: https://feedingky.org/volunteer/.
Additional Resources
Grants Available to Support Coronavirus Response - No Kid Hungry is offering emergency grants to support local school districts and nonprofit organizations in their efforts to ensure kids get the nutritious food they need. Please complete a brief information form, and they will be in touch with instructions if your organization is eligible for funding.
Comcast Internet Essentials - Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, Comcast is offering 2 months free to new Internet Essentials customers in response to recent and anticipated emergency measures associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here for more details.
Guidance on providing meals while schools are closed due to the coronavirus - For more information on the options available for serving meals through the child nutrition programs during school closures related to the coronavirus, please consult this FAQ from No Kid Hungry.
Victory in the Senate
Yesterday, the U.S. Senate passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201), a package of policies that will help communities respond to the coronavirus pandemic, including funding for emergency provisions that provide food aid for low-income families. We commend lawmakers for taking bipartisan action to pass H.R. 6201, a critical step toward ensuring communities have the resources and flexibility they need to respond to the needs of families and children during this pandemic.
If you can help now is the time. You can also donate funds to your local food bank or any non-profit right now that are serving the vulnerable as their services are needed during this time. Do the cool thing and stay inside, donate, or give your time to serve in the safest way possible.
Stay safe! We praying that this passes quickly, but in the meantime let’s come together and use this time to spread goodness and kindness and generosity in the world. I was reminded to check on neighbors and the elderly population. It’s a small way to help the community that we have. Let’s do some good today.
XO,
LE