Federal support–money for small businesses and unemployment benefits for workers–has dried up. While we don't believe individuals can fill the void left by government institutions, one of the most tangible ways that we can influence our local communities is through our spending. Not all of our remaining small businesses will make it through the winter, let alone the pandemic.
If you have the capacity right now, which is a big if, call to mind your favorite shops, restaurants, cafes, spas, cultural institutions, and consider making purchases from them. Buy a gift card for your cousin, make a donation in the name of your coworker, order takeout (direct please! delivery apps take a huge percentage), or sign up for that bread, coffee, chocolate, beer, flower, pickle, or pen of the month club. You get the idea- spend locally wherever you can.