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Have a budget for when you go to the grocery store.

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Buy what you need don't spend money on the unnecessary things.

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Prepare meals/or know what meals you are going to make that week.

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The COVID-19 lockdown has most of us at home, unsure when life will return to normal. The pandemic has affected our day-to-day as well as our finances. The stock market continues to dip and I'm not sure how I'll be able to co-work with my spouse in the same 1,100 square-foot apartment.

Regardless of the setbacks, there can be some positive things you can do with your money. Check out the list below on 19 ways to save money during the COVID-19 lockdown. All of us are shut off from venturing out to shops and restaurants, so we might as well save some dough.

To get you started here's a MU30 video that offers some tips to help keep your money (and your mind) well-taken care of during these interesting times:

Start a budget

If you haven't started a budget by now, you should. A budget just means tracking your income and expenses regularly. You can do this each month or budget by paycheck, just use a method that works well for your brain.

Use a spreadsheet if you like to do things manually, but there are budgeting apps that can do the work for you.

PocketSmith has budget forecasting features that can show you how today's activities will impact you tomorrow. See projections up to 30 years into the future so that you can adjust your spending for better results. As your income fluctuates, you can try out various budget changes and see where you can cut back.

Another benefit of PocketSmith is customizable summaries that arrive in your inbox on a schedule you specify. You can also set up budget alerts so that you'll be aware when you might be at risk of spending too much. It also integrates with more than 12,000 financial institutions to help you get a better picture of your net worth.
Special promotion: Get 50% off the PocketSmith Premium monthly plan for the first two months: 50OFFPREMIUM-F4RG.
You don't need matching plastic containers or a boatload of kids in order to meal prep. Meal prepping is a great way to save money during the quarantine. It prevents you from buying too much food at the grocery store and gives you a structured food plan. There is no need to binge on Cheetos and ramen, guys.

Before you venture out for food essentials, make a list of meals you want to make. Keep it easy by cooking up casseroles or large quantities to make meal prep easier. I typically grill up chicken breasts, bake lasagna and hard boil eggs to eat all week long.

Contribute to your emergency fund

If you want to eliminate financial stress, you need to have an emergency fund.

The size of your emergency fund will vary based on your monthly living expenses, but try to aim for at least three months of expenses. An emergency fund can reduce the burden of an unexpected event, like sudden job loss or a medical-related event.

makes building that savings easier, thanks to competitive interest rates and freedom from the fees banks usually charge.

But the most useful feature CIT Bank offers is its Savings Builder , which offers tiered interest rates. All you'll need to do is deposit $100 or more each month to maintain the highest interest rate: 0.95%%. This gives you an incentive to keep socking money away.

If for some reason, you can't make a deposit one month, you'll still earn an interest rate of 1.06%, which is better than you'll get with many lenders. Once you've saved $25,000, you'll earn the higher rate whether you deposit or not.

Cut back on subscriptions

At one point, I had more than 10 recurring subscriptions. Once I added up my subscriptions I saw just how much I really spent on things that I only used occasionally. While you're on lockdown, make a list of your subscriptions. This includes virtual subscriptions, like apps and streaming TV, and physical subscriptions, like gym memberships or product boxes.

Figure out which ones you can part with, even if temporarily, to save some money. Maybe you don't need five streaming TV subscriptions. Skip a month or two on box subscriptions. You could uncover a subscription that you haven't used in months which can add up to big savings.

If you want help eliminating some of your subscriptions, try Trim. They can not only help you find and cancel your subscriptions, but they can also help you negotiate certain bills.

Keep your energy usage low

While in lockdown, you may be using more energy since you are home 24/7, so be more mindful. Turn off the lights when you aren't in the room. Grill or use a crockpot versus the oven.

Unplug electronics that don't need to be plugged in. Turn off the heat and wear more layers. Every little bit adds up to savings on your next energy bill.

Explore your tax software options

There are a ton of options and I boiled it down to Credit Karma and TaxAct.

Credit Karma Tax

Credit Karma put in significant upgrades to its tax software this year. It is easy to use and understand. They took out complicated tax jargon which makes it easier for someone who didn't graduate in accounting to do their taxes.

Plus, it's 100% free regardless of your tax filing situation. Your federal and state returns are included, though Credit Karma does not support multiple state returns. The tax sections are uncomplicated and the dashboard creates a great user experience.

TaxAct

It's possible to file your taxes for free using TaxAct. If you are a W-2 income earner who also wants to claim the earned income tax credit or the child care tax credit, you could file for free using TaxAct.

TaxAct is mobile-friendly, too. You can snap a picture of your W-2 and upload it to the dashboard. This feature is one of my favorites because it reduces the chance of error if you were to manually enter your information.

The dashboard is easy to use because the sections are organized and the interface isn't cluttered. That makes it simple to start and stop your tax return at any time. You can jump right in without getting lost.

Grow your own food

Ever want to grow your own food? The soil is there for the taking! You can start small by planting some herbs. Mint, chives, and parsley are easy to care for and don't require a lot of attention.

You can even fertilize old dirt by adding coffee grounds or eggshells. Turn the dirt every few days and make sure you give it some water. My husband and I did this and now we're starting to see worms. We got worms!

Move money to a high-yield savings account

One of my favorite ways to make my savings grow passively is to use a high-yield savings account. A high-yield savings account typically earns more interest than the national average.

Again, one of the best accounts to check out is the CIT Savings Builder. You'll need to maintain a balance of $25,000 OR deposit just $100 each month to get the highest APY offered. But that's a great kick in the pants to get started saving.

Slow fun spending

Quarantine might be a good time to give your wallet a rest so you can reassess your budget.

Rework vacation plans

As much as you may be tempted to keep your vacation plans, it might be time to rework them. Your health and safety are more important than holing up in a near-empty hotel anyways.

Take a look at your calendar and figure out which plans you can rework. Many airlines and hotels are offering free cancellations or rescheduled plans.

Rework student loan debt payments

On March 13th, the Trump administration agreed to waive federal student loan interest. In addition, the Federal Student Aid office confirmed that you can place your federal student loans in administrative forbearance.

Administrative forbearance means that you can temporarily stop making payments on your federal student loans. Your loans won't accrue any interest either. You can take that savings and use it to cover your basic needs while in quarantine.

Call service providers

Many service providers are providing relief options to those impacted by the coronavirus. Call your providers to see what options you might have.

Avoid retail therapy

Are you prone to scrolling through Amazon or your favorite retail site when you're bored or stressed? This activity could put a wrench in your savings while in quarantine. One of my favorite ways to avoid retail therapy is to focus on contentment activities.

Contentment comes from doing things that don't cost money and that also gives you joy. I often refer to a written list of activities that I come up with first so I never run out of ideas.

While I've been on lockdown I have completed a puzzle, colored in my adult coloring book, and read my Kindle instead of shopping.

Buy in bulk, but avoid hoarding. The jumbo-sized container of cottage cheese is a better buy per ounce versus single servings, plus it saves on plastic. Bulk buys work well for things you can stow away in your pantry or freezer for later use.

I typically like to bulk buy various meats, like chicken breast, ground turkey, and canned tuna. Be sure to check the per pound or per ounce price and compare it against single-serving prices.

Reduce your car insurance premium

Make sure you aren't taken advantage of by figuring out how much car insurance you really need . Compare rates by gathering multiple car insurance quotes. I like to use , an online tool that compares insurance policies for you.

Then call up your current policy provider and ask them what other discounts they can provide. I did this with my own insurance provider and I was able to get a $31 discount just by asking.

Invest in the stock market

As counterintuitive as this might sound, now is the time to scoop up some stock deals if you can. Right now, stock prices are falling dramatically which means you have a chance to buy stocks at a discount.

If you want some help investing in stocks and want a low-fee account (who wouldn't, right now!), check out You Invest by J.P. Morgan. If you don't want to pay anything you can go with the You Invest Trade option that has no fees or minimum balance required. But you will need to do the work yourself.

If you want help managing your account, you can opt for You Invest's managed options. But, you will need to pay an annual fee of 0.35%.

Digital coupons

Many major grocery chains offer digital coupons on their respective apps. Download your local grocer's app to take a look prior to hitting up the grocery store.

You'd be surprised how much you can save just by clipping digital coupons.

Upload your grocery receipts

It's a great way to get money back on things you already bought.

Do your hair at home

Yes, you should probably still brush and style your hair unless you enjoy the gremlin look. But you're probably not headed to the salon any time soon. Instead, look for ways to color and cut your hair at home.

You can also trim your hair at home. I recommend looking up some YouTube videos prior to having your way with the scissors.

Set up automatic savings contributions

Set up automatic savings contributions with your bank. It's a great way to get in the habit of saving without manually moving money.

I have several automated contributions set up, including contributions towards retirement, vacation, a Jeep Wrangler (let's make this a reality), and a down payment.

Make the most out of your time at home by saving money. Whether you decide to cut out spending or set up automatic savings, you can put your money on lockdown the right way.

In times of uncertainty, taking control of your finances can give you peace of mind.

Read more:

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19 Ways To Save Money During A COVID-19 Quarantine

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The COVID-19 lockdown has most of us at home, unsure when life will return to normal. The pandemic has affected our day-to-day as well as our finances. The stock market continues to dip and I'm not sure how I'll be able to co-work with my spouse in the same 1,100 square-foot apartment.

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You will need to wash your hands more often now.

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If you're not able to wash your hands make sure that you have sanitizer close to you .

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If you're not able to wash your hands make sure that you have sanitizer close to you .

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Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.
How Germs Spread

Washing hands can keep you healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal infections. Germs can spread from person to person or from surfaces to people when you:

Touch your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands

Prepare or eat food and drinks with unwashed hands

Touch surfaces or objects that have germs on them

Blow your nose, cough, or sneeze into hands and then touch other people's hands or common objects

Key Times to Wash Hands

You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:

Before, during, and after preparing food

Before and after eating food

Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea

Before and after treating a cut or wound

After using the toilet

After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet

After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing

After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste

After handling pet food or pet treats

After touching garbage

If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands.

Follow Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way

Washing your hands is easy, and it's one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of germs. Clean hands can help stop germs from spreading from one person to another and in our communities-including your home, workplace, schools, and childcare facilities.

Follow these five steps every time.

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.

2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.

3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the "Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.

4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.

5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.

Why? Read the science behind the recommendations.

Use Hand Sanitizer When You Can't Use Soap and Water

Washing hands with soap and water is the best way to get rid of germs in most situations. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. You can tell if the sanitizer contains at least 60% alcohol by looking at the product label.
Sanitizers can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in many situations. However,

Sanitizers do not get rid of all types of germs.

Hand sanitizers may not be as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.

Hand sanitizers might not remove harmful chemicals like pesticides from hands.

How to Use Hand Sanitizer

1. Apply the gel product to the palm of one hand (read the label to learn the correct amount).

2. Cover all surfaces of hands.

3. Rub your hands and fingers together until they are dry. This should take around 20 seconds.

CDC's Communication Materials

CDC has health promotion materials to encourage kids and adults to make handwashing part of their everyday lives.

For more information on handwashing, visit CDC's Handwashing website or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.

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centers for disease control and prevention

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Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn the 5 handwashing steps and key times to wash your hands to stay healthy.

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Make sure to not have your hands close to your face, mouth, eyes, etc..

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When your at the store make sure to not be touching everything you see and if you do make sure to clean your hands right after 

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When your at the store make sure to not be touching everything you see and if you do make sure to clean your hands right after 

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Now since you cant go out because of the pandemic then you and your family might make up a new game for you guys to play.

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Sometimes you have puzzles just laying around your house so now that you cant leave the house and have nothing to do they might come in handy.

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watch movies with your family. Have movie nights with popcorn and snacks.

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Coronavirus infections in the U.S. are dropping and 50% of American adults have been fully vaccinated, according to new data. This means many are stepping out for the first time in a long time. Concerts and sporting events are returning (though at a lower capacity) and airport traffic is picking up with eager travelers.

New CDC guidelines advise that vaccinated adults can ditch their masks and stop social distancing outdoors and in most indoor settings.

We can't quite call the pandemic over. There are still active infections around the world and currently no vaccine for children younger than 12 years old. And some Americans still feel unsure about getting back out there.

A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found 46% said they don't feel comfortable going back to their pre-pandemic life.

"Behaviors take time to implement and adopt. They also take time to un-adopt," says Abraar Karan, an internal medicine physician at Brigham and Women's Hospital. "Remember, it's not an on and off switch."

If you're still spending more time than usual at home, we've compiled 100 suggestions to help make it as interesting - and perhaps even as productive - as possible.
Experts explain: Many of us are can take off our masks: Why some of us don't want to Why we're scared for the pandemic to end
1. Complete a puzzle: The more pieces the better! Feeling extra saucy? Take on a Rubik's Cube. More of a word person? Crossword puzzle!

2. Start a journal or blog. Sure, it can be about the pandemic, but it could also be about a specific interest from chess to cheese.

3. If it won't bother your neighbors: Dust off that old instrument and practice.

4. Text all your exes just in case you have one more thing you wanted to get off your chest.

5. Write poetry. Perhaps you can craft a haiku, or something without a specific structure. Just try it!

6. Watch all the really long movies you've avoided until now.

7. Download Duolingo, or a similar app, and teach yourself a foreign language.

8. Finally read "Infinite Jest," "Les Miserables" or even "The Stand." Go all in and read "Ulysses." You got this.

9. Meditate. Try lying down with your eyes closed, palms up and while focusing on your breath. Or spend 20 minutes sitting crosslegged and repeat a soothing word to yourself in your head. (The latter is more like transcendental meditation.)

10. Face masks, moisturizer, oh my! Treat yourself to a 10-step skin care routine you don't have time for during a normal work week.

11. Look at pictures of puppies.

12. Put together the most attractive charcuterie board possible, but you can only use foods you already have in your fridge and cupboard.

13. Take note from "Tangled" star Rapunzel, who has an entire song about how she's spent her days alone in a castle. Activities included in her ditty: Ventriloquy, candle-making, papier-mâché and adding a new painting to her gallery.

14. Write actual letters to family and friends. After that? Write thank-you notes to service people who you remember went out of their way for you.

15. Learn calligraphy. YouTube can help.

16. Finally read the rules to those long and intense board games you've never played with the family. Encourage the family to play.

17. Put on a soap opera. Mute the sound. Create your own dialogue.

18. Have a space in your home where all of the Tupperware goes? Organize it and actually match lids to containers.

19. Try on all your clothes and determine whether they "spark joy" á la Marie Kondo.

20. Better yet, go through this process with your junk drawer and supply shelves.

21. Have a roommate meeting about how to be more considerate of one other, especially while you will likely be spending more time together. Bring baked goods.

22. Bake those goods.

23. Watch the films that won Oscars for best picture.
Stars talk COVID-19: Your social life is booming again: Experts say 'take baby steps' as you start to see people. What Kim Kardashian, Salma Hayek, Jessica Simpson, more stars are saying
24. Watch films that won Independent Spirit Awards for best picture.

25. Watch films that critics say should have won those aforementioned awards.

26. Read all the New Yorker issues piled on your desk.

27. Watch every Tom Hanks movie chronologically. The actor was one of the first celebrities to reveal a COVID-19 diagnosis.

28. Knit or crochet.

29. Use Skype, FaceTime, Google Hangouts or Marco Polo to video chat with your long-distance friends.

30. Try out at-home aerobics or yoga videos. Consider downloading a fitness app with curated workout playlists.

31. Look at yourself in the mirror. Attempt a self portrait with pencil and paper.

32. Take a bubble bath (bonus: Add a glass of wine).

33. Make a classic cocktail, from negronis to Manhattans and Aperol spritzes. Don't forget the garnish.

34. Coloring books: They're not just for kids.

35. Take time to reflect: What have you accomplished in the last year? What goals are you setting for yourself in the next year?

36. Write a short story or get started on that novel.

37. Actually try to reproduce something you see on Pinterest. Probably fail. Try again.

38. Clear out the family room and camp indoors with all blankets, popcorn and scary movies.

39. Finally get around to fixing that broken door knob and loose tile or cleaning scuffed up walls.

40. Acquire a foam roller and treat yourself to some physical therapy.

41. Pretend you're 13 years old and fold a square piece of paper into a fortune teller you put your thumbs and pointer fingers into. Proceed to tell fortunes.

42. Learn how to braid (fishtail, French, etc.) via YouTube tutorial.

43. Throw out all your too-old makeup and products. (Tip: most liquid products have a small symbol on them noting expirations, usually six months to a year. This includes sunscreen!)

44. Interview your grandparents (over the phone, of course) and save the audio. Can you create an audio story or book with that file?

45. Go through your camera roll, pick your favorite pics from the past year and make a photo book or order framed versions online.

46. Go on a health kick and learn how to cook new recipes with ingredients you may not be using already, from miso to tahini.
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47. Create a Google document of shows or movies you're watching and share it among family and friends.

48. Make a list of things for which you are grateful.

49. Have your own wine tasting of whatever bottles you have at home. Make up stories about the journey of the grapes to your mouth.

50. Work on your financial planning, such as exploring whether to refinance your loan or ways to save more money.

51. Perfect grandma's bolognese recipe.

52. Make coffee, but this time study how many beans you use, which types, how hot the water is, how long it brews and whether any of that makes a difference.

53. Buy gift cards from your favorite local businesses to help keep them in business while we quarantine.

54. Watch "Frozen 2," which went up early on Disney+. Another movie on the streaming service: " Stargirl."

55. Write a book with your family. Pick a character and each member writes a chapter about their adventures. Read aloud to each other.

56. Have a Scrabble tournament. Or Bananagrams. Pictionary, anyone?

57. Get into baking with " The Great British Baking Show," but your technical challenge is baking something with the ingredients you have on hand (that you didn't already use in the charcuterie board).

58. Indoor scavenger hunt.

59. Alternate reading the Harry Potter series with your kids and cap each one off with the movie.

60. Dye your hair a new color. No one else needs to see it if you don't like it.

61. Read Robert Jordan's 14-book " Wheel of Time " series before it streams on Amazon, starring Rosamund Pike.

62. Write a play starring your loved ones. Perform it via a video call.

63. Go viral in the good way by making a quarantine-themed TikTok.

64. Rearrange your sock drawer. Really.

65. Stop procrastinating and do your income taxes.

66. Make lists of all the museums, sporting events and concerts you want to visit when they finally reopen.

67. Get into comics with digital subscriptions on your tablet, like Marvel Unlimited.

68. Rearrange your furniture to make it seem like your home is a totally different space.

69. Practice shuffling playing cards like a Poker dealer. Be ready for employment opportunities once all casinos open back up.
Two-toned lips for summer? How to create a perfect ombré lip (because TikTok made us do it)
70. Organize your spice rack alphabetically or get crazy and do it by cuisine.

71. Teach your dog to shake. Hand sanitizer optional.

72. Memorize the periodic table. You never know when that will come in handy.

73. Order and put together some IKEA furniture. Time yourself.

74. Get a free trial of a streaming service and binge-watch as much as you can before it expires.

75. Apply for a new job. You have remote work experience now.

76. Learn a new style of dance via YouTube, from bellydancing to break dancing.

77. Update or write your will and organize your affairs. Yes, it sounds melodramatic and morbid but let's face it: This is a task many of us avoid because we never have the time. Now we do.

78. Perfect your corned beef and cabbage recipe for annual St. Patrick's Day dinners.

79. Bring out the Legos. Build your house inside of your house.

80. Watch the "Star Wars" movies in this and only this order: Rogue One-IV-V-II-III-Solo-VI-VII-VIII-IX.

81. Two words: Coronavirus beard! Grow it, moisturize it, comb it, love it.

82. Learn the words to "Tung Twista." Get them so ingrained in your brain that you can rap them as fast as Twista can. Impress everyone.

83. Been meaning to get some new glasses? Try on new frames virtually on sites like GlassesUSA.com and Warby Parker.

84. Attempt things with your non-dominant hand, from writing to brushing your teeth. Prepare to be frustrated.

85. How many words per minute can you type? See if you can get speedier by taking a typing course.

86. Prepare to verbally duel a bully who wants to discuss the evolution of the market economy in the Southern colonies, by memorizing Matt Damon's "Good Will Hunting" speech.

87. Learn origami. Make cranes for your loved ones.

88. Stretch. Work on your flexibility. It's possible to get the splits back, right?

89. Try to speak in pig Latin. Or, "ig-pay, atin-Lay."

90. Talk to your plants. How are they doing? Make sure they are getting the amount of sunlight they should be. Check their soil. Water if necessary.

91. Deep condition your hair and put paraffin wax on your hands. Enjoy your soft hair and nails.

92. Consider donating money to food banks to help families struggling to get meals.

93. Write a song. If you want to make it about your time inside and put it to the tune of "My Sharona" and replace "Sharona" with "Corona," do what you have to do.

94. Study the art of beatboxing.

95. Try moving in super-slow motion. It's OK to laugh at regular speed.

96. You know how there are dozens of ways to wear a scarf, but you only wear it the one way? Learn the other ways.

97. Learn Old English words. Pepper them into your conversation. Wherefore not?

98. Try on a new shade of lipstick. See how long it takes your partner to notice it.

99. Take deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.

100. Sleep. Get lots of it.

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Uneasy about returning to pre-pandemic life? Here are 100 fun, productive things to do at home

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Coronavirus infections in the U.S. are dropping and 50% of American adults have been fully vaccinated, according to new data. This means many are stepping out for the first time in a long time. Concerts and sporting events are returning (though at a lower capacity) and airport traffic is picking up with eager travelers.

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Since you're not going to be able to go out to the store all the time now would be a right time to use ingredients you have to make meals.

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When you have leftovers make sure you put them away in a safe place so that they don't go bad and so that you can use them on another day for another meal.

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When you make meals make sure that you only make enough for the people in your family so that you don't run out of ingredients fast

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English PDF Spanish PDF

This resource is also available in a postcard format, in English and Spanish.

During a pandemic, you may be taking extra precautions to keep you and your family safe and prepared, including making sure you have everything you need at home. This guide contains information on food planning, including what to buy, how much to buy, and preparation tips.

Check what you have at home first
Take a look at the foods you already have in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry; make sure to look at expiration dates and best by dates. This can help you plan meals around what you already have, and will help you limit the number of trips to the grocery store and avoid spending money on items you don't need.

Make a shopping list
Shopping may feel more stressful at this time. Make a list ahead of time to stay focused, get the items you need, and keep your shopping trip short. Since stores may not have some specific items, create a list with general items like "fruit" or "bread."

Explore your shopping options
Many grocery stores offer in-store pickup, curbside pickup, or delivery. Third party options also exist for grocery store delivery. You may find these services helpful during times of social distancing. If you are older, check if your store delivers or has early shopping hours for older Americans only.

How much should I buy?
Buy what you and your family need at this time, and resist the urge to buy in much larger quantities. Prepare a shopping list that will cover you and everyone in your household for 2 weeks.

Include fresh, frozen, and non-perishable items
Plan for a mix of fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable foods. Eat your fresh food first. Stock your freezer and pantry with items you can eat in the second week and beyond.

What foods should I buy?
Choose a mix of shelf-stable, frozen and fresh foods. Examples of shelf-stable foods include pastas, rice, legumes, nut butters, and dried and canned goods. Frozen options to think about might be breads, meats, vegetables, fruits, and even milk. With fresh foods, buy a variety in quantities that you would normally buy. Remember to include the special needs of all family members, including pets, infants, or those with dietary restrictions.

What should I make?
While everyone is home together, you may feel inclined to try a new recipe or experiment with new flavors to keep things interesting. For others, sticking to simple items or familiar foods and tastes provides comfort. Plan what works for you and your family.

Access to food while school is closed
Many school districts across the country are continuing to provide meals to students in need during school closures. Check for local programs in your area, such as Meals to You. Contact your local school to learn about meals that may be available through pop-up food systems, grab-and-go meal pickups, or school bus routes.

Additional Food Planning Resources:

For more information about Coronavirus: Activities for Families at Home:

Tips for Every Aisle
Use these tips to fill your cart with budget-friendly and healthy options from each food group.

Sample 2-Week Menus
These sample 2-week menus can be used by any person or family wanting to follow a healthy diet at a modest price.

MyPlate Plan
To learn about your food group targets, use the personalized MyPlate Plan tool.

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Start Simple with MyPlate: Food Planning During the Coronavirus Pandemic

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English PDF Spanish PDF This resource is also available in a postcard format, in English and Spanish. During a pandemic, you may be taking extra precautions to keep you and your family safe and prepared, including making sure you have everything you need at home.

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Just try to get away from your phone and try to spend more time with your family now that you're going to have to spend quarantine with them.

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Try new things that will help you with the stress you might have with the pandemic going on. Things like yoga

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If you like reading then try to get into a new book that will distract you from things going around you