We urge those who do not have urgent shopping needs to refrain from visiting local stores until after April 3.
Those who rely on WIC and SNAP benefits, particularly single parents with small children and low-income households, will receive their benefits on the first on the month. Senior citizens and others eligible will receive their SSI or SSDI benefits at this same time.
WIC/SNAP recipients may only purchase items labeled as eligible. Many of these products MUST be generic labels (think Kroger and Select vs. brand-name) and may not be substituted for others. This includes pantry staples like milk, eggs, cheese, flour, sugar, cereal and canned goods.
WIC/SNAP items are not eligible for curbside pickup nor online purchase and delivery, as they must have eligibility verified by a cashier. By waiting to shop, you will be helping to slow the spread of COVID-19, making space for our neighbors to complete vital purchases.
If you must shop, consider limiting your purchases to one or two items in high demand, like toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning products or milk-there's plenty to go around if we all do our part!
We thank you for continuing to consider the most vulnerable among us.
You are helping us stay #MatSuStrong! ...
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Just because you're social distancing doesn't mean you can't get outside! It feels like spring is here (unless you're in Fairbanks) so get out and enjoy that sunlight. Plus, physical activity helps boost the immune system. ...
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This is a very relevant and meaningful read.
As we collectively experience a loss of normalcy, it may be common for us to grieve. Understanding the stages of grief, acknowledging what you're feeling, and expressing your feelings to trusted friends and family can help.
"Let yourself feel the grief, and keep going."
hbr.org/2020/03/that-discomfort-youre-feeling-is-grief?utm_source=facebook&utm_campaign=hbr&utm_m... ...
Slow the Spread: Dr. ANne Zink ...
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Some what we are being challenged during these days of distancing and distressing news... ...
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Grab N Go meal sites have also been established in the Mat-Su! ...
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Visit the State of Alaska DHSS page for regular updates regarding COVID-19 and our communities:
dhss.alaska.gov/dph/Epi/id/Pages/COVID-19/default.aspx ...
Prevention Month Mini-Grants Available
April is National Child Abuse Prevention month - a time to raise awareness of the importance of ensuring our children live in safe, stable and nurturing environments. To help our partner organizations across the state raise awareness in their communities, we have two great resources:
1. Prevention Month Mini-Grants (up to $250) – the goal of the mini-grants is to help individuals/organizations host an event/activity that promotes awareness of child abuse and neglect prevention and ways communities can strengthen families. Examples of activities include:
• Host a Go Blue Day rally on April 3rd.
• Host a showing of a movie with panel discussion (e.g. Resilience, Paper Tigers)
• Family night that shares community resources
• Local media campaign
• Purchase and distribution of prevention materials
• Be imaginative and create your own type of event to raise awareness
2. FREE Prevention Month Outreach Materials – there are pinwheels (national symbol for preventing child abuse and neglect), stickers, coffee sleeves and coloring books. Order now to receive your order by/close to April 1. Place your order by March 14th.
Don’t forget, Friday, April 3 is Go Blue Day. Help promote the day on Facebook. There will be Prevention Month/Go Blue Day rallies across the state – find one close to you. If there is no rally in your community, help set one up.
To access the Mini-Grant application please visit the Alaska' Children's Trust Grants page:
www.alaskachildrenstrust.org/mini-grantspreventionmonth ...
Prevention Month Mini-Grants — Alaska Children's Trust
www.alaskachildrenstrust.org
April is National Child Abuse Prevention month, a nationwide effort to raise public awareness about and take a stand against child abuse and neglect. It is a time to acknowledge the importance of families and communities who work together to prevent child abuse and neglect, and to promote the social... 
