Lists of Resources + Info + Ways You Can Still Support Local & Greater Sacramento Small Businesses.
UPDATED: MARCH 23, 2020
Ok, so I know there’s a lot of information coming at us ALL DAY LONG and most of it is just noise. So I felt compelled to create a resource to help us navigate through all the fluff. This information is specific to Sacramento..and it’s actually USEFUL (but so is TikTok when you need a laugh LOL). As you know, we are currently under a legal order to stay inside unless completely necessary, aka Mandatory Social Distancing. In case you didn’t know, this means only leave your home for doctor appointments, pharmacy pick-up, and grocery shopping. The restaurants that are still open only offer takeout, curbside pickup, and delivery options. California has even passed an ordinance to allow restaurants and bars to sell alcohol to go! In this short amount of time, we’re already experiencing how much social distancing has effected local small businesses and countless other industries and in response, the city and community have banded together to support each other.
So I put together a few lists of trusted businesses, individuals and organizations you can follow for valuable resources and information during these stressful times. I hope this information helps, and if you have anything to add please write it in the comments or send me an email and I can add it to the list!
Support Your Local Community
DOWNTOWNSAC has put together a #SupportLocal + #DowntownSac + #OldSacramentoWaterfront campaign to help spread the word about offerings from local Sacramento businesses & ways you can safely support. (info via Downtown Sacramento-HOW TO STAY SAFE AND SUPPORT DOWNTOWN SACRAMENTO BUSINESSES)
● Support today, splurge tomorrow: buy online gift cards now and use them later.
● Order takeout or utilize delivery services.
● Yelp has curated a list of businesses that are offering delivery or takeout services. This page is updated daily.
● Order curbside pick-up from your favorite #DowntownSac restaurants
● FREE curbside parking available in several #DowntownSac locations
● Participate in the #SacRestaurantChallenge
● Like, share, or engage with a business on social media
●Explore their running list of businesses who are still active and are offering curbside, pick-up and delivery. View here.
● Take a moment to write the business a 5-star review (Yelp, Facebook, Google)
My friends and local bloggers Ashley Newell (@AshleyNewell.me) & Kimi Avila’s (@Kimilove) have put together a list of local and Greater Sacramento area businesses that need our support.
Support Sacramento Area Businesses from Home
AUBURN, CALIFORNIA: HOW TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES DURING A PANDEMIC
Food Resources + Information
Free Children’s Meals at all Natomas Unified School District (NUSD) Locations 3/16 – 4/3
Full List: Where school meals in the Sacramento region are available during coronavirus closures.
Old Soul Co. - Community Commissary
Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op - The first hour of shopping hours reserved for 65+, pregnant, high risk for infection.
BlogAboutItAll has been posting daily updates and info regarding grocery stores participating in these special shopping hours for the most vulnerable members of our community.
Jasmine (@thismomsadreamer) has been posting updates on restocked essentials at Costco, Target, and the 99 cent store. She’s been placing small gesture gift cards around town, but you’ll need to follow her to find out where!
Local small business City Kitchen Sacramento (@citykitchensacramento) is determined to keep delivering healthy and delicious meals. They will be offering kid-friendly family meal kits starting next week. Owner Rebecca is also working with the community through donations to provide meals for immunocompromised, medical and service workers. check out her profile for more details.
UPDATED: MARCH 23, 2020
South Sacramento Christian Center- They will be handing out bags of food every Saturday from 9 am -12 pm until further notice. Walkup & Drive-Thru pickup options are available. Seniors 65+ can call (916) 502-1219 for home delivery.
Oak Park Community Center- If you need assistance with obtaining essential goods, meet at Oak Park Community Center on April 4th. Follow YXPLOSION | Live.Love.Care for more information. A community-engaged non-profit committed to ending poverty in Sacramento. (@yxpsacramento)
Important Financial Info + Resources
The City of Sacramento- Here you can find information, applications, and paperwork for things like:
The City Announced Temporary Ban on Residential Tenant Evictions.
Small Business Emergency Economic Relief Loan Program - home-based businesses do not count so, unfortunately, my family’s business didn’t qualify. But if you have a small business under 25 employees and a Sacramento address I urge you to apply for this interest-free loan.
The city of Sacramento is also temporarily waiving penalties for late utility payments.
The Atrium- A Creative Innovation Center for Sustainability - Resources for Creative Entrepreneurs.
UPDATED: MARCH 23, 2020
The People of Sacramento have created (@UniteSac916). A newly launched website that puts all the information you need in one place: resources, small business statuses, and community fundraisers for the city of Sacramento. When I first heard about this their site was up, but it does not appear to be up at the moment. They are probably making some updates since everything is so new and constantly changing, but keep them in mind for future updates. (@UniteSac916)
Homeschooling Resources
Homeschooling. Whoa, WOW, What?! Bet you weren’t expecting that two weeks ago!
Jessica Briggs (@BlogAboutItAll)
Simple Educational Ideas during COVID-19 / Coronavirus Shelter In Place
Danitzia Kristal Singh (@MontessoriAtHome)
Resources for Moms and Parents
Facebook Groups I Suggest Local Sacramento
Women & Moms Should Join.
I’ve found information about local stores that have restocked essentials that have previously been selling out. Members are posting live info so you don’t have to run from store to store searching for these items. Many women have been complaining that they can’t find the essentials they need for their children due to everyone stockpiling. The women in these groups are helping each other as much as possible, and it would be a great resource to connect with others in your community and maybe even be a resource for someone else. People are getting really creative and are offering their services online to members of the group. I’ve seen a few virtual games and challenges (with cash prizes $$$) floating around too! If you’re feeling lonely and need a space to vent or seek advice, these groups are admin monitored to prevent any potential bullying or mom-shaming. So hopefully you can consider them safe spaces.
Unfortunately, I have not found any information about resources for single moms without transportation, childcare, or how they can access food when using EBT. With many of the stores being sold out of basic household necessities, I’m sure a lot of us can use a grocery delivery service, but EBT is currently not an accepted form of payment for these services. So if you have any information about this please share.
Maria from (@MomsofSacramento) teamed up with local professional organizer Carly Adams (@tidyrevival) to share some essential, money-saving tips to help get organized!
Meal Prep to Reduce Food Waste by Carly Adams of Tidy Revival
UPDATED: MARCH 23, 2020
Single Mom Strong, Inc.- In response to the school closures throughout the Sacramento region, Single Mom Strong ‘s Empowerme Pre-school & Childcare School-Age & Non-School Daycare program will be open on a week by week basis beginning Monday, March 16th from 7:15 am-6 pm daily. SMUD’s Sustainable Communities program has provided scholarships to children of single moms. Space is limited and attendees may not exhibit any signs of illness and heightened precautions will be taken. Visit singlemomstrong.org/ for more information. (@single_mom_strong_tm)
The Godmothers- A dedicated group of women who share the common mission to serve and support low income, homeless, and/or undocumented parents and parents-to-be with the essential items every family and child deserves. We strive to provide items for children 0 to 3 years old such as diapers, wipes, clothing, and formula. All family structures are welcome and accepted. ** They are also accepting donations in order to keep this program going.
CONTACT: thegodmothers916@gmail.com
Anamaria Ragland-Munoz (916) 365-2935
Alternatives Pregnancy Center off Arden & Howe- They are giving away (1 ) pack wipes (1) pack diapers per family while supplies last. I called to verify, and they stated quantities are going fast due to higher demand at this time. So I don’t know how long this offer will stand. I asked about donations, and they said to please refer to the website (https://alternativespc.org/) about how to donate.
Virtual Workshops + Activities
KeiaKodama is offering two online workshops for $10. The topics include Building and Branding & Which stylist are you? Check out her profile for more information. Click here.
Oliandbaz is offering online painting classes. A "pay what you can" with a $15 minimum. I find painting so relaxing and a perfect way to get our minds off everything going on right now. Plus you’ll have a new great piece of art to hang up. Click here for more info.
Girl Gang (joingirlgang) is offering 9 days of At-Home Intentional Activities. Girl Gang is a collective of women creatives cultivating community. The schedule is below and you can check out their page for full details about the workshops. Click here.
Stay Informed
Follow these accounts for the latest updates on everything in the Greater Sacramento Area. From grocery store hours, availability, and special shopping hours to local restaurant updates from Elk Grove, Sacramento, Roseville, and Auburn. As well as homeschooling resources such as free printables, and information about free educational materials. They all have been sharing so many resources and information to help navigate and support each other during this uncertain time.
Sacramento365- All things Sacramento. Keep up to date with the latest changes, updates, and resources.
DOWNTOWNSAC- Resources on how you can continue to Support Your Local Community.
Boss Ass Women of Sacramento- Find information about women-owned businesses & offerings updated daily.
FEMWINISM- Find information about women-owned businesses & offerings updated daily.
Jessica Briggs (@BlogAboutItAll) - has been posting daily updates and info regarding grocery stores participating in these special shopping hours for the most vulnerable members of our community. Restaurant deals & specials, and homeschool resources.
Jasmine (@thismomsadreamer)- Frugal living, coupon and organization queen. She finds the best local deals and will help you get the best out of your money.
Ashley Newell (@ashleynewell.me)- daily updates about ways you can continue to support your local community.
Danitzia (@themomtessorilife)- homeschool resources.