COVID-19: A clarifying moment

Actions–including k-12 school closures in Kansas–are being taken at local, state, and federal levels to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. While these actions are necessary to maintain the health and safety of as many of us as possible, their effects on our lives are breaking down our systems in ways that many of us have not seen before

This should serve as a clarifying moment: Too many of our policies and systems have always been broken, and the impacts of this pandemic will have disparate impacts across different racial and socioeconomic groups. Access to food, healthcare, and housing and utilities is critical for all of us to stay safe and healthy not just during a pandemic, but at all times. When these rights are only afforded to some and not others, we all suffer, but the brunt of that suffering will be carried most by those who’ve been consistently marginalized by society and decades of racist policies.

Communities across Kansas are stronger when we stand together.

Kansas has been approved to use the summer meal program to continue food service as schools close due to COVID-19. Sponsors and volunteers across our state are acting quickly to get programs off the ground to ensure kids have access to school meals.

Dozens of communities are creating mutual aid funds and networks to help coordinate support–including childcare or grocery runs–for those in our communities who may be most vulnerable during the COVID-19 outbreak.

These efforts, and so many more that are being organized to ensure our friends and neighbors are safe and cared for, will need our support now and as we face uncertain times.

If you’re able, the time to act and support each other is now.

Kansas Appleseed’s priority is to ensure the health and well-being of its employees and those we work with. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Kansas Appleseed will adopt the Center for Disease Controls suggestion to limit activities in the workplace.

This week, Kansas Appleseed staff have begun working from home. Due to the nature of our work, our staff is accustomed to working remotely and have the tools necessary to make the transition. All of us at Kansas Appleseed recognize the immense privilege we have to work from home, and we are committed to continuing our fight for a Kansas that is thriving, inclusive, and just for all.

The work of Kansas Appleseed will not stop and all of our staff are available by email or phone.

Ad Astra per Aspera.