Worried about how to pay for three meals a day?
Here are some resources and answers. If you are in a position to help others, there are ways you can be part of the solution.
COVID-19 is changing the way that many of us shop and eat. Restaurants are closed for dining in. Kids aren’t eating breakfast or lunch at school. Much of the way we shop for our food has changed. Job losses, reduced hours and furloughs have many Skagit County residents worried about putting food on the table. But community organizations are stepping up to meet their needs.
For Families with Children
Before COVID-19, Skagit County, 55% of children qualified for free and reduced school lunches. With schools closed, districts quickly mobilized to feed children in new ways. Schools are providing breakfast and lunch for children, by either pick up or delivery. You can visit your school district’s website for more info. Each district program is different and some require parents to request meals in advance. A full list is available at the Northwest Educational Service District 189 website.
For Seniors
Now more than ever, many older adults struggle to shop and prepare meals on their own. Skagit County Meals on Wheels provides hot, nutritious meals for people over the age of 60 and who are homebound and unable to prepare meals for themselves. If you are looking for Meals on Wheels services for yourself or a loved one, contact the program by calling Skagit County Public Health at (360) 416-1500.
Senior Centers also provide frozen meals for weekday pick up. You can call your local Senior Center for details:
- Mount Vernon Senior Center, 360-416-1585, Kristl Hobbs or Nickie McNulty
- Sedro-Woolley Senior Center, 360-855-1531, Ellen Schweigert or Merrilee Komboukos
- Burlington Senior Center, 360-755-0942 or 360-755-0102, Jackie Cress or Cheryl Kaufman
- Anacortes Senior Activity Center, 360-293-7473, Amanda Miller or Annette Saling
State and Federal Benefits
The Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps low-income individuals and families buy food. The Basic Food Program is Washington’s name for SNAP. SNAP used to be called the Food Stamp Program. These days, food benefits are provided on an EBT card, which works like a debit card.
If your financial situation changed due to COVID-19, you may now qualify for assistance you didn’t before. Some benefits like Basic Food have increased. As of March 30, some Washington residents who receive Basic Food benefits will have additional funds through April 2020.
To see if you qualify for SNAP, you can call the Help Me Grow Washington Hotline at 1-800-322-2588 to learn more about food benefits and how to apply for them. The hotline is available Monday-Thursday 8:00-5:30 and Friday 8:00-5:00.
If you are worried about crowded grocery stores, know you can grocery shop online using a SNAP EBT card. Online SNAP EBT shopping includes home delivery through Amazon and store pick-up at Walmart. See more info about online options below:
Food Banks and Pantries
Food banks are following social distancing to keep their customers, volunteers and staff safe. Most food banks have switched to pre-boxed food that is handed out at the door. Others have set up drive-thru and walk-up services. Services and hours are likely to continue to change. Check out the Community Action website to find food bank updates.
Another option for people seeking fresh food is the Skagit Gleaners. Families interested in receiving more information can visit http://www.skagitgleaners.org.
Want to Help?
If you are in a position to help others you can:
Consider Donating to Your Local Food Program
Donations of money are best at this time. Not all food programs are accepting food donations. For a list of food banks you can donate to, see the food bank list on the Skagit Community Resource Directory at https://skagitcrc.org/food-banks.php
Consider Volunteering
Most food banks are small nonprofits relying on volunteers. During COVID-19, many volunteers are not able to safely volunteer at this time. Consider helping to fill this shortfall by devoting some of your hours to these critical community programs. The best way to learn about volunteer opportunities is to visit your local food bank’s website or social media page or to visit the Skagit County Volunteer Center.