We all vote with our dollars. Where we spend our dough says a lot about what we support and value. Today, it is more important than ever to invest in our communities if we want to see them overcome the obstacles COVID’s created. But how can we do that?
Order Takeout or Delivery
Most restaurants are counting on takeout orders to keep their business running while their dining rooms are closed. You can help by simply ordering food for takeout or delivery (and of course, tipping well).
You can even take this one step further by ordering through EatStreet rather than the national services like GrubHub or UberEats. Why? EatStreet is a Madison-based food delivery service; you cannot get an app more local than that. Also, they have a partnership with Kwik Trip, and you can’t get more Wisconsin than Kwik Trip!
Uncle Mike’s Bake Shoppes has delivery and takeout options including Dr. Fauci Cookies!
Buy Gift Cards
Right now, most service-based businesses cannot be open to the public, but owners are still held accountable for basic operational expenses like rent. It’s easy to see how this could cause a serious revenue problem.
You can help out your local hairdresser or barber without getting your hair cut. Buy a gift card or, if you are financially able, pre-pay for all the services you would typically have done for the next three, six, or even 12 months. This helps owners cover the bills and gives you an appointment or an outing to look forward to post-quarantine.
You can also help your local baristas by buying gift cards. Some coffee shops are still offering drive thru orders, but they are missing out on the morning rush. Visit your favorite café (or visit their website) to pre-pay for some cups of joe.
Also, see if your local service-based business is selling any products you may like to buy. Icon Salon in Green Bay is allowing curbside pickup.
Spread Awareness!
Talking about your favorite businesses will not cost you a thing, but could increase their revenue.
On Social Media, share a post from your local tea shop about their online ordering. Give the local greenhouse a shout-out on your Instagram Story. These are simple ways you can help promote the places you’d like to visit after the lockdown is lifted. You may think these are small things, but they are HUGE – and don’t cost a dime 😊
Balance Digital Media Studios, a local Green Bay area business, developed a website to compile all the Wisconsin businesses that are open during this time (weareopenwi.com). Encourage business owners to submit their hours here: http://weareopenwi.com/addBusiness.aspx – and share the link BROADLY.
Another thing you can do? Use #SupportLocal.
We can get through this quarantine together if we support each other. It is up to each one of us to do our part. Help them out; Make your voice heard; vote with your wallet.
Story by Megan Roshak
TYPO? Did you spot a typo or grammatical error in this story? Report it NOW to The Grammar Police so we can fix it before a potential employer – or one of our parents – sees it and busts us! Report it: HERE! Better yet, keep it to yourself, or at least six feet apart.
YUM!
IM IN!