The detrimental effects of the pandemic on food systems have not been limited to restaurants, distributors, bars or breweries, but also to those whose access to food was already low and have since been pushed to depend on meal programs such as the Great Plates program or the World Central Kitchen pilot that was launched in the city.
To continue its goal of feeding those who need it most, the City of Long Beach announced it is launching a new food security program expanding food delivery services for meals and groceries, designed to “benefit a broad segment of the community and has the potential to serve approximately 100,000 individuals while remaining cost-effective.”
Small businesses and organizations are encouraged to apply to participate in the program by Thursday, Oct. 1, through the city’s vendor portal, PlanetBids.
The city is also encouraging small businesses to look into these relief programs:
- Small Business Transition And Technology Grant Program will provide grants to support small businesses operating in Long Beach with an emphasis on those located in the geographically disadvantaged areas of the city most impacted by COVID-19. Approximately $3,300,000 is available. The program will provide working capital grants up to $5,000 and technology grants up to $2,000.
- Emergency Microloan Program is designed to support Long Beach businesses and nonprofits with five or fewer employees that have been financially burdened by the COVID-19 public health emergency. Between $2,500 to $10,000 is available for small businesses operating in Long Beach. Loan proceeds may go toward business expenses, such as personnel, rent, supplies/materials, utilities, professional services and more.
- Kiva Long Beach Loan Program is an online community-lending program designed to support Long Beach small businesses. Between $500 to $15,000 is available for small businesses operating in Long Beach. Loan proceeds may go toward business expenses, such as personnel, rent, supplies/materials, utilities, professional services and more.