Celebrating holiday meals safely

Gathering around a table for a holiday meal will look different this year. During the freeze, only two households can gather together with no more than six people together total. Remember it’s safest to enjoy your holiday meal with only the people you live with.

If you choose to celebrate with the lowest risk for spreading COVID-19, here are some ideas: 

• Join friends and family over a video call. Setting the computer at the end of your tables can make it look like you’re all at a long table together.   
• Cook a pie or favorite dish and drop it off on your loved one’s home without contact.  
• Exchange photos of the people (or food) at your meal with the people you would normally invite.  
• Send an email or letter with stories or memories from past holidays to let people know you’re thinking of them. 

If you do decide to gather with another household at your home, the graphic below has suggestions for eating together safely.

Apply for food, cash and other assistance from home during Oregon two-week freeze

All Oregonians can apply for food, cash and child care assistance provided through the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) from home without having to visit an office in person.

To apply from home, visit govstatus.egov.com/or-dhs-benefits for information on how to apply for assistance using an online application, email, mail, telephone or application drop off.

Oregonians who need urgent and ongoing food assistance can visit needfood.oregon.gov.

For more ways to connect with ODHS or to find other types of assistance, contact 211info:

• By dialing 2-1-1 from any phone
• Text your zip code to 898211
• By email at help@211info.org
• 211info.org
• covid19.211info.org