In the face of the coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreak, we know that a lot of people may be struggling to adjust to new routines and lifestyles. Although these lists continue to grow, we have gathered the following resources to help people in the Battle Creek community during this time of social distancing and isolation.
Free Meals
There are several organizations in Battle Creek that are working to provide meals to those in need. If you or your family need help finding meals right now, check out these resources:
- Battle Creek Public Schools will be offering a meal pick up service.
- Lakeview Schools will also be offering a meal pick up service.
- Pennfield Schools will be offering breakfast and lunch to all children 18 years and under free of charge. Food will be available for pick up at Pennfield High School from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- Harper Creek Schools will be serving meals at several different locations.
Help for Businesses
If you run a business in the Battle Creek community, there’s support for you during these unprecedented times. Check out these resources:
- Michigan Chamber of Commerce has put together a coronavirus toolkit for local businesses.
- Battle Creek Area Chamber of Commerce is available to contact if you need additional resources.
- Battle Creek Unlimited (BCU) has set up an emergency loan fund for local small businesses.
- Small Business Association of Michigan (SBAM) has numerous resources for small businesses, information on economic injury disaster loan, and have daily briefings.
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Northern Initiatives also has a list of Federal, State, and other resources for small businesses.
Home School Resources
Schools across the state have closed during the COVID-19 outbreak, but that doesn’t mean that your child’s education needs to stop. We encourage you to browse and utilize some of these great learning resources:
- Scholastic Learn at Home is offering lessons online for free. You can choose activities for Pre-K and 6+ based on grade level. Read along with ebooks and watch educational videos in their “Watch and Learn Library.”
- Michigan State University is offering free educational resources on their website for Pre-K-12 students.
- com offers Brain Breaks and fun videos that can keep kids moving and active while they’re at home.
- Google is offering free virtual tours of over 1,200 museums around the world.
- Willard Library is hosting story time every day at 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. on its Facebook page.
Internet Access
Access to the internet can make a huge difference when it comes to keeping in touch with friends and keeping children engaged with learning.
Luckily, Comcast is offering two free months of internet service to low-income households. The deadline to apply for the program is April 30. You can find more information here.
Stay Updated
It’s important to keep up with the latest news so you and your family can prepare. Be sure to visit these helpful links to stay up to date with what’s going on in Battle Creek and the world:
- The City of Battle Creek
- Calhoun County Public Health Department
- The State of Michigan
- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
The BCVision team is dedicated to creating a culture of vitality in the Battle Creek community. We want Battle Creek to be a city where everyone can live, work and play. Click here to learn more about how we’re moving Battle Creek forward.
