Kate Garvey, Director of the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, says COVID-19 has helped lay bare existing islands of food insecurity in the city.
As her department has worked extensively with community partners like ALIVE! for food distribution, Garvey said the pandemic emphasizes a growing need.
Arlandria in Crisis Over COVID-19 Spread — “Azucena Esquival lives in a cramped apartment in the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria, where the problem of community spread isn’t just theoretical. The pandemic is in her household. Earlier this month, she tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Another adult in her household paid $300 to get a test, which was also positive. They are living with two people who have not been tested. None of them are currently working, and they have no source of income.” [Gazette]
Alexandria Unemployment Claims Spike — “As of the Times’ print deadline, Alexandria residents had filed 10,609 initial unemployment claims, according to the Virginia Employment Commission. Initial claims began pouring in throughout mid-March, climbing from 33 the week of March 14 to 797 the week of March 21.” [Alex Times]
Mayor Hosting Weekly Virtual Town Hall Tonight — “Thursday evening (May 14th) beginning at 8 PM, I will be hosting another virtual Living Room Town Hall Meeting. We will discuss the City’s on-going response to the COVID-19 outbreak and address any questions you might have. Please post questions and join us Thursday night!” [Facebook]
Volunteer Alexandria Needs Household Donations — “Can you donate some canned goods, diapers, or kitty litter? During COVID-19, there is a great need for a variety of goods — many of which you may have around the house or be able to pick up in your next shopping trip.” [Facebook]
ALIVE! gave out 90,000 pounds of food to hungry Alexandrians in the month of April, and will conduct it’s next mass food distribution on Saturday, May 30.
“That’s three times our monthly average,” ALIVE! Executive Director Jennifer Ayers told ALXnow.
Even though Alexandria Little Leaguers won’t be knocking the covers off baseballs this season, their organization has raised $15,850 so that local nonprofits can provide emergency food assistance in the city.
Alexandria Little League raised the money in a GoFundMe campaign, and funds were divided between ALIVE! and Feed The Fight Alexandria, which gives food to local hospitals. The organization also received some help from a local church.
Northam Says Northern Virginia Will Ease Restrictions More Slowly — “Northam said that more information about ‘how this will work’ for Northern Virginia localities will be released on Wednesday.” [Reston Now]
Metro Phased Reopening Plan Includes Face Mask Requirement for Riders — “In the first phase, trains will run every 20 minutes and buses will operate on a Sunday schedule. Service will ramp up slowly from there. All riders will need to wear masks to board a bus or train in the WMATA system. (Right now, that’s just a recommendation and request, according to Metro’s website.)” [Alexandria Living]
As the Arlandria community struggles with the highest infection rate in Alexandria, Casa Chirilagua is asking for donations to help low-income families.
The city’s Hispanic population is largely located in Arlandria and leads with positive cases at 533 and four reported deaths.
Governor Asked Northern Virginia Leaders for Letter on Stalling Reopening — “He asked for this formal communication to demonstrate unity across the diverse Northern Virginia region, which is critical to a continued successful mitigation strategy… He appreciates their willingness to work with him on this responsible, data-driven and health-based approach.” [Washington Post]
City Sets Up Frozen Meal Delivery System For Residents Aged 60+ — “Spouses of individuals over age 60 and disabled adults living with someone aged 60 and older also may be eligible. Meals are prepared by Jeffery’s Catering and delivered twice a week by Senior Services of Alexandria. A total of 14 meals are delivered each week. For more information call 703-746-5999.” [Facebook]
Alexandria City Public Schools has added two more mobile pop-up breakfast and lunch distribution locations for “grab and go” meals for children over the age of two.
The new locations are The Fields of Alexandria at 4309 Duke Street and Bennington Crossing Apartment Homes at 441 North Armistead Street.
A pair of waterfront eateries have joined the ranks of other restaurants across the city reopening for takeout and delivery.
Vola’s Dockside Grill and Riverside Taco Company, both located at 101 N. Union Street at the foot of King Street on the waterfront, are reopening today (Tuesday). Both restaurants will be open every day from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Their season might be over, but Alexandria Little Leaguers and their supporters still have something to cheer about during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The nonprofit has raised $5,795 in a GoFundMe campaign to provide food for ALIVE! and Feed The Fight Alexandria, which gives food to local hospitals.
