Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
The Covid-19 pandemic can be scary for any family, but it can be even scarier for families without food. Due to Memphis City Schools closing, many children are left without the lunches they relied on to survive. Chalkbeat has created a resource called the texting tool, to help these families and children. It's a system where families can text their zip code to a number to find out which places are offering students free meals.
“As a journalism organization, we feel strongly that we should reach people where they are with valuable information,” says Caroline Bauman, a community engagement specialist at Chalkbeat. The texting tool can be used in Spanish or in English. Also, starving students don’t need internet access to use the tool.
“We had previously created an online map where families can look up meal distribution sites close to them [in Spanish and in English],” Bauman says.
“But we still knew many families could not access that valuable information because they don't have internet access or needed to be judicious with their cell phone data. We also know that most families have access to SMS text messaging — that's why we created this tool.”
According to Bauman, the tool has already helped many families that are searching for food. “So far, we've seen hundreds of Memphians access the tool in Spanish and in English,” she says.
Bauman also says she gets many questions from families. “The best advice I can give is to stay informed via trusted news sites, like Chalkbeat,” she says. “Information in a time such as this can quite literally be life-saving, so please make sure you are listening to trusted, vetted sources.”
“At Chalkbeat, we believe we have a responsibility to reach people with valuable information in a really easy-to-use way.”
To find nearby free meal distribution sites for families with children under the age of 18, the community is encouraged to text MEALS or COMIDAS to 901-701-6777.
