Coronavirus
CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
Our organization was founded on the principle of creating a sanctuary, a safe place for students and families to learn, find joy and “break bread,” and that remains true today as we face growing public health concerns.
Many of the communities in which we work will be especially vulnerable to the repercussions of the pandemic. Our immediate focus is on supporting those children, families, and teachers. Our free resources appear below, and will periodically be updated. Learn more about our current efforts in food distribution, digital learning and health & wellness programs.
As we adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re seeking the help of our friends and supporters through our COVID-19 Relief fundraising campaign.
Coronavirus
Stay up to date on the latest news regard the COVID-19 pandemic.
We’ll also be using our Twitter and Instagram pages to share updates from our communities.
USDA Hunger Hotline
If you require food during the COVID-19 pandemic contact the UDSA National Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE for assistance in Spanish.
Wellness Program
Common Threads has created a series of interactive health and wellness videos such as meditation, yoga, fitness, stress management, cooking and much more for our friends and partners. Together let’s get active and focus on our health and mental wellbeing. Visit our YouTube channel to view our wellness videos.
Small Bites: Virtual Nutrition Education
For districts and partners that have transitioned to online learning, we are here to support your continued use of the Small Bites program through our digital educational platform Common Bytes. During this time, we’re offering our curriculum to parents and educators free of charge.
Small Bites is a SNAP-Ed approved intervention designed to increase nutrition knowledge, vegetable consumption, and variety of vegetables consumed. We are encouraging anyone who is interested to enroll, complete the self-guided course then gain access to all our curriculum, downloads and resources. Learn how to get trained and set up your free CommonBytes account today. Resources include:
- Small Bites Lesson Plans
- Student Worksheets
- Educational Videos
- Nutrition Education Games
- Extension Activities
Family Meals
Common Threads is encouraging you to get in the kitchen with your family and prepare healthy home-cooked meals. With grocery retailers facing inventory shortages, we have made a list of highly versatile ingredients that can serve as the base for many healthful recipes designed to feed your whole family.
Whole Chicken
Chickpeas
Ground Meat/Turkey
Yogurt
- DIY Smoothie
- Mango Lime Parfait
- Dressings (Ranch, Honey Mustard)
Hand Washing Activity
Make washing your hands a fun activity with your kids! Show them just how important proper hygiene is and how to properly wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.
Common Threads COVID-19 Relief
Like families and organizations across the country, Common Threads is rapidly adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic — and we need your help.
Many of the communities in which we work will be especially vulnerable to the repercussions of the pandemic. Our immediate focus is on supporting those children, families, and teachers — finding the most impactful way to adapt our programs, expertise, and relationships to ensure access to the food and information they need to stay healthy.
Programming in response to COVID-19
Digital Learning: Children, parents, and educators transitioning to online and remote instruction can now gain free access to the recipes, videos, games, and teaching resources on CommonBytes. We have seen a 1,600% increase in traffic. We are also launching virtual versions of our Small Bites and Family Cooking Classes for children and families across the country.
Food Distribution : Our team is working with partners to distribute groceries, prepared meals, and recipes to families challenged by food insecurity. Learn more.
Health & Wellness: We’re inviting friends, families, employees, and partners to join an ongoing series of online wellness activities and lectures aimed at decreasing the impacts of stress and anxiety caused by the COVID-19 crisis. On average, 40-60 people attend each event, including partners from Chicago Public Schools, Spring Branch Independent School District, Dairy Max, Metropolitan Family Services, Miami-Dade Public Schools, United Way of Miami-Dade, NYC Department of Education and Houston ISD. See our archive of previous programs and sign up for an upcoming program!
