COVID-19: How to Help Farmers, Families, and Your Community
These are scary times, foodies. COVID-19 has upended the normal way of life for almost everyone, but there is also a lot to be hopeful about. Local communities all around the state, nation, and world are chipping in and helping their neighbors in need. Wondering what you can do? Or maybe you, yourself, need a little help. Either way, this article is for you. It’s broken down by region to give you a good idea of resources near you. We also have some state-wide resources that apply to all Virginians. Do you know of anything we’re missing? Let us know!
*Note: Do you own a small food business? Check out this google doc we put together along with our friends at 4P Foods and Local Food Hub. It covers a wide range of topics including HR, alternative revenue solutions, and financial resources.
General Ways to Give:
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Give Blood! There’s a shortage due to blood drives all over the country being canceled.
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Buy gift cards to local businesses. (See links below)
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Donate food if you can
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Buy online from local and small businesses
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Please, please, please don’t hoard food, especially WIC items
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Donate to Virginia Federation of Foodbanks. The funds get divvied up among food banks all over the Commonwealth
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Donate to Restaurant Workers Community Foundation National Fund. Restaurant workers have been hit hard, this Foundation helps affected workers on a national scale.
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Use this handy searchable list to find local businesses near you that need support
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Donate to the ROC Relief Fund. This Fund provides resources and financial assistance to restaurant workers impacted at local, state, and national levels.
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Check out List of Food Pantries in Virginia if you need some help, or want to donate food.
Image: Alexandr Podvalny
Image: Tim Mossholder
NoVA
Central VA
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Local Food Hub (Fund to help area farmers and feed communities in central VA)
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Richmond Restaurant Workers Fund (Fund to help RVA Restaurant workers)
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Keep Calm and Nom Nom (List of businesses in RVA you can get gift cards from)
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Feed More Inc (Their programs distribute nutritious meals and wholesome food in Central VA)
Shenandoah Valley
Blue Ridge Highlands
Tidewater
Image: Kayleigh Harrington
Image: Victoria Kubiaki
Image: Nathan Lemon
Things feel uncertain for us all right now, but hopefully, this list has made these tough times seem a little brighter. If you’re fortunate enough to not need immediate assistance, please consider donating your time, money, or food to one of the organizations listed above. Now is the time for us foodies to band together to help each other. If you have any suggestions or additions to our list, please let us know and we’ll be sure to include it. Stay safe, and remember to wash your hands!
