As public school systems across Maryland are closed at least until the end of next week to stem the rise of the novel coronavirus, parents and guardians are trying to figure out how to feed, educate and provide for their students.
This list contains school meal sites in WYPR's immediate listening area, as well as statewide resources.
Baltimore City
Breakfast and lunch: More than 15 Baltimore City Public School sites are offering free to-go meals from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. List. Meals are available until March 20. Check the City Schools website or Twitter for updates.
Snacks and dinner: 40 Baltimore City Recreation and Parks sites are offering free to-go meals from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. List. Meals are available until March 27. Check the Recreation and Parks website or Twitter for updates.
Click here for an interactive map of food distribution sites in Baltimore City.
Meals available for school-aged children and persons with disabilities over the age of 18 who participate in school programs.
Online learning: Find learning packets for BCPSS students here.
Health care: For a list of primary care clinics in Baltimore that serve uninsured residents, click here. Call the clinic before you visit. And if you have symptoms of COVID-19 no matter where you live, call a medical professional before you leave your home.
Baltimore County
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: More than 40 sites are offering free to-go meals from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. List. Meals are available until March 27. Check the BCPS website or BCPS Twitter for updates.
Students must be present to receive meals.
Online learning: Find learning resources for BCPS students here.
Anne Arundel County
Breakfast, lunch and dinner: More than 50 sites will serve free to-go meals to students ages 2-18. Hours vary according to location. List. Meals are available until March 27. Check the AACPS website or AACPS Twitter for updates.
Students must be present to receive meals.
Online learning: Find e-learning resources for AACPS students here.
Meal sites throughout Maryland
The Maryland State Department of Education has created an interactive map of meal site locations throughout the state. Click here to search by zip code or address.
Find a Twitter list of school districts in WYPR, WYPF and WYPO's listening area here.
Other Services
- Child care programs: Maryland Family Network's LOCATE: Child Care is a free phone and online service that helps residents find child care based on individual needs. Starting March 18, the service is available by phone from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Call 877.261.0060. Additional information on child care programs on the Maryland State Department of Education's (MDSE) website.
- On March 14 Governor Larry Hogan enacted an emergency order to expand access to childcare for "critical personnel" (health care providers, emergency medical service providers, law enforcement personnel) during the state of emergency. MSDE and local officials will work to provide expanded access to child care for these workers. Read the Governor's Executive Order here. March 18 update on support for children of emergency personnel here.
- Utilities: Per the Governor's March 5 Executive Order, no utility company or service provider (cable, internet, electric, gas, sewage, telephone, water) may cut off residential services or charge late fees during the state of emergency.
- Insurance: The Maryland Health Connection, the state's online health insurance marketplace, has opened a Coronavirus Emergency Special Enrollment period that runs until April 15. Coverage for all plans begins April 1, 2020. Find information and enroll here.
- Internet access: To connect low-income families with Internet access during the COVID-19 crisis, Comcast is offering qualified households two months of free Internet Essentials (rate after free period is $9.95/month plus tax.) This offer is only available to new customers. Apply by April 30, 2020. Details.
This post will be updated.
