COVID-19 is changing many aspects of our daily lives in metropolitan Washington, including the way we get the food we need to support our health and nutrition. Area farmers, food distributors, schools, retailers, restaurants, food banks, and others, are responding to stay-at-home orders and other directives to increase social distancing, with changes to how they operate.

Here are some resources and updates for finding food.

Emergency Food Assistance Resources

Residents may be facing food insecurity–limited or uncertain availability of safe and nutritious food. Many residents may be experiencing this for the first time. COG's list of Local and Regional Emergency Food Assistance Resources provides information about finding food for those struggling to afford it, including information about school meals. 

Changing Retail Options and Finding Local Food

If you’ve been to the grocery store recently, you may have noticed additional sanitation procedures, workers wearing protective gloves and masks, controlled entrance to the store, and or line spacing at check-out. Here’s one list of major retailers offering special hours for seniors and other vulnerable populations in the region. 

Be sure to check with your local retailer before planning a visit to confirm special hours, and follow the latest guidance for keeping yourself and others safe. 

Future Harvest and the Maryland Farmers Market Association have developed a Find-a-Farmer or Market map with opportunities to purchase directly from a number of farms in and around metropolitan Washington. (Farmers can fill out this form to be listed.) The map includes COG’s regional Community Supported Agriculture list. Some of these farmers are offering delivery for the first time.

Many local governments also have also have local farm and farmers market listings, as do organizations like the Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission and Virginia Farmers Market Association.

Food hubs, some restaurants, and distributors are offering new opportunities for getting groceries, some delivered to your door. Caterers, restaurants, and local craft beverage makers have been hit especially hard by COVID-19. Many are also offering new takeout options. Check with your favorites first, and or consult information from your local government, food council, chamber of commerce, Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington, and local news sources.

Again, it is always good to check with your local retailer or market before planning a visit; new plans and protocols to protect public health may affect the operating status of these establishments.  

Plan Before You Shop

Modified retail operations can also be found in the region’s farmers markets. Many markets are or will open with modified operations in the next few months. After locating a market near you, check out the website or social media for the market several days in advance. This will help you confirm its status and to learn about social distancing and safety practices. Ordering ahead of time is highly recommended.

If you’re planning to visit a farm that offers on-farm sales, please check the farm’s website or social media first. Visits should not be made unannounced and without confirmation from the farm, if there’s no guidance provided on store hours, pick-up days and times, etc.

Online ordering with food hubs, distributors, grocers, etc. also requires a little planning. You’ll need to order a few days ahead in a lot of cases.

Plant Your Own

Have a small balcony, patio, or backyard and always wanted to garden? This is a great time to become familiar with the home gardening resources offered through your local cooperative extension service office for learning how to do-it-yourself as a starting point.

For Those Who Can Help Others

Have you volunteered your time or made a financial donation to a food bank or other nonprofit serving your community in the past? Both are needed now more than ever. From organizations like these, to public schools, and neighborhood-level mutual aid networks, there are a lot of ways to help. Many of our local governments can also direct you to partners that match volunteers with organizations in need of assistance. As you volunteer, continue practicing social distancing and other safety practices within the organizations and the communities they serve.

There are also roles for advocates to play in supporting enhancements to federal nutrition assistance programs (i.e. SNAP) that are the first line of defense in fighting food insecurity. Start with the Food Research Action Center to find out how to get involved.

For more information and resources, visit the COG COVID-19 page. 

Lindsay Smith is the Regional Food Systems Value Chain Coordinator at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.