Somerville Coronavirus: 4K Masks, 21K Meals Given Out

SOMERVILLE, MA — The city distributed 4,000 facial masks to residents in senior living facilities this week. Along with the masks, residents received information about how to wear them safely, coronavirus safety precautions and where to find resources and support.

"Getting masks to our seniors was a top priority. Our older residents and those with underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable to COVID-19 and we must do what we can to help protect them," Mayor Joseph Curtatone said in a statement. "We are advising our seniors to wear these masks when in common areas or out in public to help protect their neighbors and ultimately themselves. I also want to thank our Council on Aging and Department of Public Works for their quick work in distributing these masks throughout the city."

Over the past five weeks, Somerville Public Schools has distributed more than 21,000 meals to families, including more than 4,000 the week of April 12. Separately, the city's Emergency Food Pantry, which was established at the outset of the COVID-19 crisis, provided food for nearly 700 households - or about 1,700 people - during the same week.

"While our community is dealing with so much uncertainty, we don’t want residents also worried about where their next meal will come from," Curtatone said in a statement. "If you need help accessing food, please reach out and make use of these services."

The Somerville Public Schools are distributing meals to residents from 9 to 11 a.m., Monday through Friday at the following locations:

• East Somerville Community School, 50 Cross St.
• Arthur D. Healey School, 5 Meacham St.
• Winter Hill Community Innovation School, 115 Sycamore St.
• West Somerville Neighborhood School, 177 Powder House Blvd.

Residents can access the Emergency Food Pantry by filling out an online form. Groceries are available for pickup and the pantry is steadily expanding deliveries as well. Please call 781-747-8198 for more information or with questions.

More information on available state and federal food access programs, cash assistance, and unemployment and business assistance, as well as guidance on how to use or make masks or facial coverings can be found on www.somervillema.gov/coronavirus.