I'm not going to lie: as I'm entering my third week of quarantine, the solace of slowing down and time off in this global lockdown has worn thin. There are days when I jolt out of bed, invigorated to tackle on a well-intentioned to-do list of long, neglected tasks and projects, then there are days when the gravity of the crisis weighs over me. All selfish ambitions for future plans and projects have come to a halt. The fear of uncertainty quickly puts me in a spiral.
But it takes an active effort to not fall into despair. If there's one thing that quarantine amplifies, it is the power of the community. Witnessing the ways people come together through this unprecedented crisis shows the best of our humanity. We may be practicing social-distancing, but we're more creative and connected than ever before.
This week's post is dedicated to the ways we can help. If you're an HSP like me (a hypersensitive person), there are days when you fall into a malaise. And that's okay. You don't have to "make the most” of a global pandemic. Trying to be more mindful is what puts life in perspective these days. Serving a reminder that as long as we have a roof over our heads and a fridge full of food, we're living in the lap of luxury.
So how can we help? For those of us who find ourselves in a fortunate position to give back, I've listed some of the ways we can provide support and relief in this time of crisis. There are medical service front-liners who need supplies, restaurants, and food supply chain businesses that we can support, and workers that aren't able to earn income while working from home.
FEED YOUR COMMUNITY
World Central Kitchen is an organization whose central mission is to feed vulnerable communities. World Central Kitchen creates a network of community kitchens to make and distribute fresh grab-and-go meals to families in need during this crisis.
Feeding America is a nation-wide organization and food bank that helps distribute meals for families in the front line of hunger. Programs include school-based food pantries and emergency disaster relief.
SERVICE INDUSTRY:
One Fair Wage is an emergency fund for tipped and service workers, they're providing cash assistance to restaurant workers, delivery, personal and car service workers, and other individuals who aren't generating income and need the funds to survive.
COVID 19 RELIEF RESPONSE FOR MEDICAL FRONTLINERS
"As the health care system strains to accommodate the unprecedented challenge of the coronavirus outbreak, many medical professionals on the front lines do not have adequate protection.
Some are reusing masks and gloves. Others have taken to social media with public pleas for help using the hashtag #GetMePPE, an acronym for personal protective equipment. Without proper covering, every new bedside visit might prove fatal, especially for older physicians and their families." (The New York Times)
In response to supply shortages, Direct Relief is coordinating with public health authorities, nonprofit organizations, and businesses in the U.S., China, and globally to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to coronavirus (COVID-19).
HOW TO SUPPORT FARMERS AND RESTAURANTS:
Covid-19 closures severely impact restaurants, bars, and food supply chain operators across the country. While supermarket shelves run short on limited supplies, one option you can consider is checking in with your favorite restaurants or farmers market to see what they’re offering at this time. For example, Chez Panisse is working with its farm suppliers to sell fresh produce boxes directly to customers, while Garcons de Cafe in Downtown Los Angeles is offering curbside delivery service for natural wines. Many restaurants still offer take-out and delivery. Purchasing your groceries through your local restaurant or CSA is a great way to give back, as well as gain access to some of the best produce in the business. A win-win for everyone.
Above all, the best way to give back to your community at this time is to respect the rules of quarantine. The sooner we self-confine, the sooner we get out of this together.