May 1, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, County Executive Calvin Ball helped distribute groceries to provide much needed food items to restaurant workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic. La Palapa Grill and Cantina in Ellicott City partnered with Saval Foodservice to distribute the groceries to more than 350 people.
“This is a great example of Howard County coming together and setting the example of never forgetting our neighbors,” said Ball. “There is a lot of unknown right now, and we’re so grateful for businesses and community members who are using this time to provide hope and support to each other.”
Additionally, Ball directed the George Howard Building to be illuminates with blue lights Saturday, May 2nd at 7 p.m. in honor of Howard County’s frontline workers responding to the COVID-19 crisis.
“We have deep gratitude for Howard County’s frontline workers who are responding to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ball. “The blue lighting should serve as a reminder of their dedication and commitment to providing care and serving our community. We appreciate all that you’re doing to keep us safe.”
Feed Howard County – a partnership between Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD), The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation and Howard County restaurants have launched its efforts to help feed families who are food insecure during these challenging times. The program aims to pay restaurants across Howard County to prepare nutritious meals for those in need, resulting in keeping people fed; keeping people employed; and keeping businesses afloat.
The distribution of meals will be coordinated through COAD - with locations chosen to best serve those in need. Each distribution event will deliver 100 meals with the initial goal to deliver 2-300 meals per week. The Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation has offered to serve as the fiscal sponsor and is accepting donations, please choose Feed Howard County under giving options
About Community Organizations Active in Disaster (COAD)
COAD is a collaborative effort of community stakeholders, each having an equal role in the organization. Their goal is to organize and deploy community resources in an efficient and timely manner, effectively contributing to each phase of a disaster. Questions can be directed to FeedHowardCounty@gmail.com Pat Curran - 443-695-0756
Today, the Howard County Public School System surpassed more than half-million meals served since the COVID-19 pandemic closed schools in March. For information on HCPSS meal distributions, please click here.
Additionally, the Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) has officially announced the cancellation of all athletic events for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. This includes the remainder of the 2020 Boys and Girls Basketball State Championships and all spring sports, as well as spring State Championships.