Local businesses are the backbone of communities and have been hit hard by COVID-19. Local restaurants have suffered particularly hard during this COVID-19 pandemic. The nature of the local restaurant business is already a financial challenge, and most restaurants do not have a reservoir of cash to tide them over during a shutdown. Some have had to close down completely and lay off all their staff. Others have been able to remain open in a limited capacity by offering reduced menu options for takeout, with curbside pickup or the use of delivery services like UberEats and DoorDash.
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According to the FDA, there is no evidence of food or food packaging being associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and customers should not fear takeout and delivered food as long as they continue to follow the strict guidelines on washing hands after touching anything from outside of their homes. You can find out which restaurants are still operating by checking out local websites that are keeping a list, such as boston.eater.com and the phone app foodlens.com. The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development keeps a list of open restaurants at www.boston.gov/departments/small-business-development/support-bostons-restaurants.
Looking for a list of local fresh food delivery options? Mass Farmers Markets has a comprehensive list of delivery services for accessing local food across the state at www.massfarmersmarkets.org/news/take-a-bite-out-of-covid19.
Some delivery services accept SNAP benefits. The state’s MassGrown Map shows farms that deliver or offer mail order on many products from fruits and vegetables to maple syrup, honey, plants, flowers and more: massnrc.org/farmlocator/map.aspx?Type=Delivery.
The City of Boston is also providing a way for you to support other essential businesses and services that remain open during the COVID-19 crisis. The businesses include:
- grocery stores and bodegas
- pharmacies
- laundromats and laundry services
- gas stations
- auto repair and bike repair shops
- moving and storage
- hotels
- hardware stores
- pet stores
- postal workers (including private delivery companies)
- banks
- plumbers, electricians and inspectors for emergency services
The full open business listing, including hours and neighborhood for each establishment, is available at www.boston.gov/departments/small-business-development/supporting-bostons-open-businesses.
Local businesses need our support now more than ever!
