How you can support local businesses during COVID-19

As more people practice social distancing across the country, small businesses are feeling the impact. With National Volunteer week April 19th – 25th, below are some ways to give back to our local communities!

1. Shop locally online: this is a great way to continue to support your local businesses if they are still fulfilling orders during this time.

2. Order food for delivery or takeout from your favorite local restaurant: you are practicing social distancing, taking a break from heating up leftovers, and offering some revenue to a local business who needs it.

3. Rate businesses you love with a 5 star review on google, social media and Yelp: any extra reviews and ratings are a huge help right now as people search for local businesses to order from.

4. Share your favorite fitness studios to your Instagram stories: taking your favorite yoga or HIIT class online? share it to your stories and tag the studio and pass it around to friends!

5. Buy gift cards to use later on: Even though you likely can’t physically buy items from your local stores, many businesses offer gift cards online. This sends the message that you will be shopping with them again in the future once things return to normal!

6. Spread the word: If you know of a business that is still open, or a restaurant offering takeout, be sure to spread the word about what they do to family and friends in the area.

7. Donate online to local charities (below are a few New York options):

Meals on Wheels: In response to the coronavirus crisis, this program is giving home-delivered meals to the elderly. The meals are nutritious and shelf stable. Needs: Financial assistance.

The Bowery Mission: The Bowery Mission is helping people experiencing homelessness. During the coronavirus crisis, The Bowery Mission is taking care of our most vulnerable neighbors. Needs: Financial assistance, Grab & go meals, pre-packaged sandwiches & salads, pre-packaged snacks, Bottled water, Fresh & frozen meat, cans, and cleaning
supplies.

WomanKind: Womankind works with survivors of gender-based violence to rise above trauma and build a path to healing. In response to the coronavirus crisis, Womankind services will transition to phone and email, with the exception of their Residential Programs. Womankind’s 24/7 emergency residences will remain staffed and emergency services will continue. Needs: Financial assistance.

City Harvest: City Harvest is committed to feeding everyone who was relying on them before the crisis, and to meet the increased need as the devastating economic impact of COVID-19 becomes a reality. They are also working hard to ensure that, while schools are closed, children and their families can put meals on their tables. Needs: Financial assistance.

Splendid Spoon: Help them support our first responders and healthcare workers.
They’re offering at-cost boxes of their plant-based bowls and smoothies to fuel our healthcare workers on the front lines.

The unity that comes from tough times is so beautiful, share with us below how you are supporting your local community!