The City of Philadelphia, in partnership with Share Food Program and Philabundance, will begin distributing boxes of non-perishable food to residents in need during the COVID-19 crisis, beginning Monday, March 30.

The boxes will include shelf stable household staples that will last approximately five days. They will be available for pick up at dozens of sites and pantries throughout the city. Beginning Monday, residents can pick up a box of food (one box per household) on Mondays and Thursdays between 10 a.m. and noon at sites throughout the city.

Residents do not need to present an ID or proof of income for eligibility.  Continue Reading

There are a few options available for small businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.

The city has announced a $9 million Philadelphia COVID-19 Small Business Relief Fund, which offers grants and loans to businesses seeking financial assistance. Read more about this opportunity here.

On Wednesday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf announced a $100 million relief fund for small businesses across the state. The COVID-19 Working Capital Access Program (CWCA) will provide loans up to $100,000 for businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees. For more information about this program, go here.  Continue Reading

All schools in Pennsylvania will remain closed until at least April 6th, according to a new order issued by Gov. Tom Wolf. This includes all schools in the School District of Philadelphia. The previous order shut down schools through March 27, but in light of the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the state (644 total cases were reported on Monday) it was expected to be extended.

In Philadelphia, a $9 million small business relief fund was announced on Monday. The City of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) launched the fund, which will provide grants and loans to small businesses affected by the pandemic. The fund helps businesses with less than $5 million in annual revenue.  Continue Reading

Mayor Jim Kenney has issued a stay-at-home order for Philadelphians, effective at 8 a.m. on Monday, March 23, to help curb the growing number of COVID-19 cases in the city. According to this new directive, any public or private outdoor gatherings occurring outside a single household are prohibited unless they are related to essential business or essential personal activities.

All residents must stay at home unless they’re buying food or other essential items or seeking medical attention. Outdoor exercise is also permitted, with social distancing.

This latest order will remain in effect until further notice.  Continue Reading

A sign on ReAnimator Coffee shop’s window this afternoon. The popular Garden Court cafe closed in compliance with Kenney’s directive.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney has called on all nonessential businesses to close for at least two weeks beginning today at 5 p.m.. Most retail stores will close through at least March 27.

The Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that the city may invoke authority to close businesses or penalize those that remain open.

The city deems these businesses “essential”:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores  Continue Reading

The School District of Philadelphia has announced that all public schools will be closed starting Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 27.

The decision to close schools was made in light of Governor Wolf’s decision to limit non-essential travel for Delaware and Montgomery county residents that has created a significant staffing challenge for the School District.

“This is a difficult decision for the District and the City, and we do so in full recognition of the hardships this may cause for many families,” said Brian Abernathy, Managing Director for the City of Philadelphia. “The City is rapidly developing plans to provide comprehensive support to students and families who are challenged by the closure.”  Continue Reading