Each week we are getting new updates about resources available to Nebraskans during the pandemic. We have been keeping tabs on a number of topics and will continue sharing information with you as we learn more about what is out there to help Nebraskans and their families across our state.
How SNAP can help you during the pandemic
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is here to help Nebraskans during the COVID-19 outbreak. There have been a few changes to the SNAP program to make it more accessible to help ensure individuals and families have access to the food they need. We’ve made a video to answer questions about how SNAP works, how to apply, and what the new changes are to the program during this time of emergency.
You can watch the ‘At the Core video about SNAP here:
For additional information, you can check out our blog or contact Appleseed’s community assistance line here.
“I’m still afraid to go to work, for me and my family”
As outbreaks in Nebraska grow each week, we are continuing to see workers in meatpacking plants making a difficult choice between providing for their families or staying healthy. Workers, their families, and advocates across the state are calling for increased protections for our workers who are feeding America at the expense of their safety.
Read the letter that statewide community, worker, and public health groups sent to the Governor.
Call Governor Ricketts’ office at (402) 471-2244 and ask him to take additional measures to ensure that Nebraskans are safe and protected while at work.
The University of Nebraska Medical Center has a survey available for those who work in meatpacking plants to gather information on concerns and perceptions of the COVID-19 outbreak. If you or someone you know works in a plant in Nebraska, you can take the survey in English or in Spanish.
COVID-19 exposes systemic inequities in health care
There isn’t one part of American life right now that hasn’t been impacted in some way by COVID-19. However, the data available as the pandemic continues shows that communities of color are disproportionately harmed by the pandemic.
While Nebraska statewide data on cases and deaths does not include a breakdown by race, an article published in the Omaha World-Herald last Thursday stated that 69% of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Douglas County are people of color. We put together a blog that unpacks this information and long-standing system inequities that are driving COVID-19’s impacts on communities of color. You can read it here.
Resources to take care of each other
We know that our community is struggling in this uncertain time. Now more than ever, we need to feel connected to resources that are here to support us and our families. Appleseed put together a page with several of those resources, including options for economic support, foster care information, response fund details for nonprofits, community funds access, and more.
We will be sure to update this page as we learn more, and you can find our COVID-19 resources page here.
Stay up to date on Appleseed’s issues
You can keep up on the latest updates by following Appleseed online. Like our Facebook page and follow issues in real-time on Appleseed’s Twitter feed. Stop by our blog for opinion pieces, informative updates, and news stories.
We’ll let you know how you can take action to get involved and make your voice heard!
Thank you for your continued advocacy during this time of uncertainty.