Friends and neighbors,
We are going through a difficult time right now. Our friends and neighbors are at risk and our economy has been drastically affected by the COVID-19 Crisis. I am proud to see communities stepping up, neighbors helping neighbors, and community leaders advocating for anyone who might get left behind.
It is going to be a difficult year, but I know we will get through it because Washingtonians look out for one another and know that our state is stronger together. Here are some resources for you as we go forward.
Food access and security
No one should go hungry, especially our kids who may no longer have access to regular meals while schools are shut down due to COVID-19.
This is why our state, local and community partners are coming together to coordinate on the fight against hunger. Most recently, the governor announced the WA Food Fund, which will not only help keep our kids fed, but will also help food banks keep their shelves stocked. It’s a collaboration between government, nonprofits, and philanthropies. It’s a coordinated effort to get food to those in need across the state. Learn more or volunteer by visiting WAFoodFund.org.
Food access locations in our region
When picking up meals, please remember to Stay Healthy. Stay six feet apart, wear a face mask and gloves and wash your hands.
Mukilteo School District has free “to go” meals available for kids at several sites. Breakfast and lunch will be available from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Packages picked up on Fridays include weekend meals. Learn more here.
Edmonds School District also has free “to go” meals available for kids at several sites. Breakfast and lunch will be available Mondays through Fridays. Friday pickups include breakfast and lunch for Saturday and Sunday as well. Learn more here.
Everett Public Schools also free meals for pickup at available for kids at several sites Mondays through Fridays. Learn more here.
Washington State has put together a food assistance resource page on the official Washington State COVID-19 website, which includes information on emergency food access.
Food bank locator
Tips for Accessing Unemployment Benefits
The Employment Security Department (ESD) is experiencing historically high volumes of our neighbors seeking much-needed unemployment benefits. ESD is working hard to expand capacity and update technology, but their web pages are loading slowly, and call wait times are long. I understand that this is frustrating. Here are a few tips for minimizing delays and successfully applying for benefits.
First, everyone who is eligible will get their money – the funds will not run out – and will be paid retroactively to the date of eligibility.
Prepare: Carefully read the instructions, watch ESD’s training videos, and use ESD’s checklist to help gather all the necessary documents to avoid delays.
Try the website first: Though it is loading slowly, it is still the quickest option for applying for benefits, answering questions, and getting basic information. If you have a problem that can only be solved over the phone, please keep trying. Thousands of people are getting through to ESD by phone every day.
Timing: Try to apply during off-peak hours, generally 9:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Use a laptop or desktop if you can, and only try reloading twice in 10 minutes. If you don’t get through after that, wait two hours before trying again. As frustrating as this may be, it will help prevent the website from getting bogged down even further.
Keep in touch: Subscribe to receive email updates from ESD about their COVID-19 response.
Find answers to frequently asked questions here.
Youth Mental Health During Social Distancing
It is mental health awareness month. In our region, we know the impacts mental and behavioral health struggles can have on our youth. Though social distancing practices are one of the best ways to slow down the spread of infectious diseases, like COVID-19, stress and lack of human interaction can have negative impacts on our behavioral health. Our students may be feeling isolated during the school closures, we need to help them overcome these challenges.
OSPI has resources for parents and caregivers who are worried about their children and teens during this difficult time. This web page has great information about mental health and safety, coping with anxiety, and recognizing warning signs in young people.
Face Mask Challenge
Don’t forget to wear a face mask when you’re out and about! They can keep us from infecting others. Just remember to continue physical distancing and wash your hands. The Department of Health also recommends washing cloth face masks after each use.
Many of our friends and neighbors are working hard to sew cloth face masks for organizations that need them most, like nursing homes, shelters, food banks, grocery stores, restaurants, and more. I’ve been so encouraged by their commitment. You can join them by participating in the Lieutenant Governor’s Washington Mask Challenge! Learn more about how you can make and donate cloth masks here.
Election Year Restrictions
During an election year, there are certain restrictions on my communications to prevent the use of state resources for election purposes. One of these restrictions is a freeze on this website, meaning no new content can be added beginning May 11, 2020 until after the general election in November. If you have questions or comments about legislative issues, please feel free to continue to contact me. The best way to get in touch is by email, Strom.Peterson@leg.wa.gov.
This is going to be a tough year. We are all affected by this, but we will get through it by remembering that we are in this together. I will continue working hard to support our communities during this difficult time.
As always, if you have any questions, thoughts, ideas, or concerns. Please reach out.
Thank you, stay healthy, and stay safe.
Rep. Strom Peterson,
Strom.Peterson@leg.wa.gov