As I sit here post #pelotonclass, sipping my coffee, in my cozy home, filled with everything I need. I’m filled with so much gratitude. Things that used to be so check the box, like grocery shopping, cooking, or a work out class, are now the highlight of my day!

Since embarking on #stayinghome, grocery shopping is a whole new experience. When I see vibrant, fresh produce, eggs and quality protein stocked on the shelves I’m reminded of a time when that wasn’t the case. And the anxiety it caused. This feeling of anxiety provoked by potentially not being able to feed my family was unfamiliar. New territory for me, but unfortunately this worry is not uncommon. Many parents have anxiety around feeding their family EVERY SINGLE DAY. This anxiety grows exponentially during a global pandemic!

When the coronavirus surfaced, so many families simply weren’t able to drop everything and arm their pantries and freezers with a hoard of supplies and toilet paper! 

Across the country, schools are shutting down due COVID-19. But millions of children in the U.S. go to school not just to learn, but also for meals. School is a safe haven providing structure, routine and nourishment. My heart aches for these kids and I want to help!

Let’s Lean In and See How We Can Support Those In Need 

1. Save The Children & No Kid Hungry
   have collaborated to feed children who depend on school meals every day. They’re also providing books and mental health resources to help kids cope with extended school closures during COVID-19. Your donation will help make sure schools and community programs have resources to feed & support youth in need.
   Jennifer Garner & Amy Adams created #SAVEWITHSTORIES in effort to raise awareness for the cause. Tune in to Instagram for a fun distraction! You may even spot a few celebrities during story time!
   
   
2. HopeAustin
   Thankfully Austin school districts have done a great job organizing breakfast and lunch services for children in need during school closure. Beyond breakfast and lunch served at school, many children require additional support for weekend meals. Hope Austin is a local nonprofit that has partnered with LISD and RRISD during COVID-19 to support weekend nourishment. Click here to assist with food donations for their backpack program.
   
   
3. Good Apple Organic
   
   
   Y’all I’m in love with this concept. It’s sort of like Toms but for organic food!! For every box of food you order, they send another box to a family facing food insecurity in your community.
   53,000 children in Travis County face food insecurity. Good Apple identifies these families and provides them food delivery services, free of charge!!
   
   

   Our family receives our first box on April 5th!!! It’s a total WIN-WIN!!! Stay home and order your box of veggies too!! 

4. Generation Serve 
   This is an amazing, #ATX organization that empowers children to volunteer. AND they just started virtual volunteering!!!!  Our family has donated our time IRL and really enjoyed it. The Gen Serve team has created an amazing resource page called Helping While Home.  The page lists loads of creative, fun ideas on how you can give back! I’m planning on incorporating these activities into our #homeschool life! 
   
   Every week they also host a virtual volunteer event on their Facebook page + share how you can get involved! If your child needs to earn service hours they are happy to give them credit for their work! #stillserving y’all!

    

5. Partnership For Children
   Provides resources, support and comfort for foster children and families in Austin. In response to COVID-19, they are asking for donations to their COVID Support Fund . Donations will be used for grocery gift cards and Favor/meal delivery services.
   
   
6. The Salvation Army is providing rent, utility and food assistance for people facing unemployment.  Your donation will go directly to your local community! Give here!
   

Lastly, don’t forget to check in with your local community and schools and see how you can help! See if there are families you know that are suddenly out of work and in need of support. Facebook and Nextdoor are great mediums to stay connected in your community and share resources. Our personal virtual community groups have been instrumental sources of local information during “shelter”!

Connecting your kids to charity is as much about helping others as the impact you will imprint on their heart. I want our children to grow up knowing that one of the best things in the world is our ability to help others. To have compassion and show love. Join us!