Good Neighbors During Rough Times

Calm · March 25, 2020

Please share news stories that may help spread ideas on how to help each other in safe ways, either organizations or individuals.

https://www.deseret.com/utah/2020/3/24/21193026/coronavirus-covid-19-ardent-mills-flour-donation-schmidts-bread-giveaway?fbclid=IwAR2IKi5PUx05i2ljvd6VsEJhvw7Y7KKJOuiQ6oWr_9up7vk8NDlaBkk0uUw

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The donation from Ardent Mills came after employee Alex Nelson saw a television news story about Schmidt’s daily bread giveaway. When coronavirus fears shut down most businesses, Steve Borg was desperate to find a way to keep his employees busy and paid.

“They’re like family to me,” Borg said.

He proposed the idea to his son, Brett, and his wife, and they were both skeptical as to how giving bread away might help the 44-year-old business stay afloat. Borg said the purpose was more to keep his employees busy and thank the community for its support. It was also an opportunity to give people a chance to do something nice without spending a dime.

Schmidt’s gives each person two loaves of bread — one is for them to keep and enjoy and the other is intended for them to give to someone else. So far, the giveaway has been successful, with donations helping to support the effort.

Nelson was moved by the endeavor, and said Ardent Mills has a number of charitable efforts each April.

“So we’re just getting a bit of a jump on it,” Nelson said. “I saw what they were doing, and I thought we could help out. Despite all the bad news you hear about bread, we feel like it’s a nourishing food.”

Calm · March 25, 2020

https://www.thechurchnews.com/global/2020-03-21/latter-day-saint-charities-assisting-worldwide-coronavirus-food-production-needs-178013?fbclid=IwAR1cWOYtuZSD-pybeOcPE02ZNn8zOfAg7ZKr0LuxybTMjpxHOzW3cuoTmC8

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In a post titled “Emergency Relief Efforts and Hope During COVID-19,” on the organization’s website, Latter-day Saint Charities acknowledged providing support, supplies and funding to date in Cambodia, China, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, the United States and Vietnam.

That includes providing medical and emergency supplies and commodities to healthcare professionals and patients; training for healthcare professionals in offering physical, mental and emotional support to those who are struggling; and funding and supplies to help with the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

It also noted that the Church’s canneries and food-processing plants have adjusted production schedules to help meet increased needs, making products and goods available as needed to Church leaders, community agencies, school feeding programs, food banks and other partners.

Latter-day Saint Charities’ work with partners worldwide maximizes its effort and reach, and the organization continues to evaluate new projects and consider help in additional locations.

Inside a Church cannery in Harrisville, Utah.Credit: Intellectual Reserve, Inc.

“We anticipate responding for months to come as families, communities, and nations band together to address the long-term effects of the virus,” the post stated. “Strengthening and supporting each other long after the news cycle ends is part of the mission of Latter-day Saint Charities.”

Latter-day Saint Charities expressed appreciation for its partnerships with governments, international non-governmental organizations and others contributing to solutions. The organization also thanked donors who contributed well before the pandemic ever began, allowing for funds and commodities to be available for immediate response, without delay.

The post also listed ways individuals can help during the pandemic:

Be a good global citizen.

Follow World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines to help reduce the spread of the virus.

Check on neighbors and friends in the community while practicing safe methods of interactions.

Use technology to help stay connected and remain positive.

“This is a time when every person can do something, and kindness is evidence of who we really are,” the blog post concluded.