csmonitor--2020-03-30--Containing coronavirus: Why US, China compete about that, too

“ This pandemic is going to upend many aspects of the international order in ways that will further challenge U.S. global leadership , but it will also be an opportunity , ” says Muqtedar Khan at the University of Delaware .
“ The authoritarian model may appeal even more to a lot of developing countries , so this also becomes about saving the American model globally – private enterprise and capitalism , liberal democracy , human rights , ” he says .
“ All of that ’ s at stake.
” For many experts , perceptions of how the world @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic both at home and on the international stage will go a long way in determining whether China or the U.S. comes out of the crisis with the upper hand .
For some , the early absence of the U.S. from a leadership role in addressing the crisis could cement the perception of a U.S. in retreat .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prefers the term “ Wuhan virus ” to remind the world that experts trace the novel coronavirus back to the Chinese city .
It ’ s not just a matter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a means of calling out China for a lack of transparency and for early attempts at a cover-up of the virus ’ s existence that he says contributed to its spread .
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was on a mission when he took part in a virtual meeting of the Group of Seven foreign ministers last week : Get Western allies to join him in using “ Wuhan virus ” to describe the coronavirus behind the global pandemic .
Mr. Pompeo ’ s colleagues didn ’ t bite .
If anything , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pin responsibility for the crisis on one country .
In a post-meeting statement , French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he had “ underscored the need to combat any attempt to exploit the crisis for political purposes , ” adding that “ the unity of all in order to effectively combat the pandemic ” is now the priority .
The brouhaha over virus terminology and provenance has taken center stage in the rising tensions between the United States and China .
The two world powers have added the coronavirus crisis to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sea power to trade and 5G technology – in their accelerating global competition .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .
Moreover , for many geopolitical experts looking ahead to the post-pandemic period , perceptions of how the world ’ s two major powers handle the pandemic both at home and on the international stage will go a long way in determining whether China or the U.S. comes out of the crisis with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the early absence of the U.S. from a leadership role in addressing the global health and economic crises could cement the perception of the U.S. as a retreating leader of a creaking international order .
China is busy filling that leadership void with a double-edged global messaging campaign – painting a picture of domestic success in addressing the virus while at the same time sowing disinformation and a sense of disarray about the West ’ s response – that it hopes will serve it well in the post-pandemic period , Western intelligence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ see an opportunity for the U.S. to seize on the disruption the pandemic will wreak on international governing structures and diplomacy to reassert its role in the global order .
“ This pandemic is going to upend many aspects of the international order in ways that will further challenge U.S. global leadership , but it will also be an opportunity to reset our grand strategy and to reassess the strategic options available to the United States , ” says Muqtedar Khan , a professor of international relations at the University of Delaware in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ this opportunity to better challenge China while reasserting its role in the world.
” So far , the Trump administration has largely focused on keeping China in the international hot seat by putting a spotlight on its role as the source of a virus that has spread to much of the world .
While Mr. Pompeo has preferred “ Wuhan virus ” to remind the world that experts trace the virus back to the Chinese city , President Donald Trump has used “ China virus ” and “ Chinese virus ” to drive @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Asian-Americans citing the nomenclature as a factor in rising racist attacks , Mr. Trump backed off that practice last week , saying “ everybody knows ” already where the virus originated .
Mr. Trump held a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday and said in a tweet that the two countries are “ working closely together ” to address the pandemic , though he did not specify how .
He added he had “ much respect ” for Mr. Xi ’ s handling of the crisis .
Mr. Pompeo says @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not just a matter of nomenclature , but a means of calling out China for a lack of transparency in the Chinese system and for early attempts at a cover-up of the virus ’ s existence that he says contributed to its global spread .
And despite the president ’ s pledge of cooperation , the State Department is not backing off its crusade against what Mr. Pompeo describes as the Communist Party ’ s “ disinformation campaign ” concerning China ’ s response to the coronavirus .
Diplomats at the United Nations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ held responsible for actions that contributed to the pandemic have stymied passage of a Security Council coronavirus resolution .
And on Friday U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul , a Texas Republican and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee , sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo encouraging him to launch a “ multilateral ” inquiry with like-minded “ democracies ” into China ’ s “ coverup and disinformation campaign.
” Beijing ’ s censorship of early information about a new virus is now “ putting millions of American lives at risk , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ part , has not sat idly by .
First Beijing circulated unsubstantiated claims that the virus was introduced to Hubei province , of which Wuhan is the capital , by visiting American military officials .
Then China ’ s media seized on the notion that the first cases of coronavirus may actually have surfaced in Italy .
But more recently , the Chinese have seized on mounting signs of the virus ’ s weakening hold on the country by touting their intervention measures , comparing them favorably to Western efforts , including in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ taken to intimating that their authoritarian system is a better match for such a social threat than are democracies prioritizing personal freedoms .
“ China ’ s signature strength , efficiency and speed in this fight , has been widely acclaimed , ” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declared recently , adding that China was now recognized as having set “ a new standard for the global efforts against the epidemic.
” For some analysts , the sparring between the U.S. and China simply adds a new chapter to the ongoing great-power competition @ @ @ @ @ @ @ long-term competition where this [ pandemic ] messaging battle enters as a new element , but I don ’ t see that anything is going to change drastically , ” says James Carafano , director for foreign policy studies at the Heritage Foundation in Washington .
“ This administration has been calling balls and strikes on China from early on , ” he adds , citing Mr. Trump ’ s frequent warm words for Mr. Xi even as the administration has taken China to task over its trade practices , human rights violations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ developing countries , intellectual property thefts , and more .
“ We ’ re going to be in the middle of this messaging war for a long time , ” Mr. Carafano says , “ but the administration knows the U.S. can compete there.
” Other experts in international relations are not so optimistic .
Some cite the generally good press China is getting , particularly in Europe , for its pledges of assistance to stricken countries , and they are contrasting that with what they see as America ’ s absence from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ narrative is that China is demonstrating increasing sophistication at soft-power diplomacy , a realm in which the United States long excelled and China didn ’ t even attempt to compete .
Some go so far as to warn that the pandemic could one day be looked back on as the turning point that marked the end of the American century of global leadership .
Yet no one is calling that outcome inevitable or deeming China ’ s victory in the pandemic messaging wars a foregone conclusion .
The U.S. can still carry the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system that promotes democratic responses and individual ingenuity , some say .
“ You ’ re absolutely seeing the difference between lockdown policies in authoritarian regimes and lockdown policies in democracies , ” says Heather Conley , director of the Europe program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington .
“ What we ’ re seeing in the West [ is ] the bottom-up approach , that you have neighbors helping neighbors and you have states making decisions .
Certainly it ’ s ad-hoc and looks chaotic , ” she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are some strengths in that response as well that a top-down state-led government can not allow for.
” The U.S. needs to take China ’ s successes in the soft-power arena as a wake-up call that America ’ s pullback over recent years from its leadership role in the international arena is not going to go unchallenged , says Dr. Khan of the University of Delaware .
In the post-pandemic period , he adds , the U.S. will have to undertake a robust return to multilateral dialogue and institutions , and be more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to undercut U.S. leadership and the Western governance model .
“ The authoritarian model may appeal even more to a lot of developing countries , so this also becomes about saving the American model globally – private enterprise and capitalism , liberal democracy , human rights , ” he says .
“ All of that ’ s at stake.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , we ’ ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Who has a better model for confronting the novel coronavirus, a democratic or authoritarian regime? And which nation is more trustworthy? Big power competition has not ended with a global pandemic.
“This pandemic is going to upend many aspects of the international order in ways that will further challenge U.S. global leadership, but it will also be an opportunity,” says Muqtedar Khan at the University of Delaware. “The authoritarian model may appeal even more to a lot of developing countries, so this also becomes about saving the American model globally – private enterprise and capitalism, liberal democracy, human rights,” he says. “All of that’s at stake.”
For many experts, perceptions of how the world’s two major powers handle the pandemic both at home and on the international stage will go a long way in determining whether China or the U.S. comes out of the crisis with the upper hand. For some, the early absence of the U.S. from a leadership role in addressing the crisis could cement the perception of a U.S. in retreat.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo prefers the term “Wuhan virus” to remind the world that experts trace the novel coronavirus back to the Chinese city. It’s not just a matter of nomenclature, he says, but a means of calling out China for a lack of transparency and for early attempts at a cover-up of the virus’s existence that he says contributed to its spread.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was on a mission when he took part in a virtual meeting of the Group of Seven foreign ministers last week: Get Western allies to join him in using “Wuhan virus” to describe the coronavirus behind the global pandemic.
Mr. Pompeo’s colleagues didn’t bite. If anything, there was public rejection of any effort to pin responsibility for the crisis on one country.
In a post-meeting statement, French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said he had “underscored the need to combat any attempt to exploit the crisis for political purposes,” adding that “the unity of all in order to effectively combat the pandemic” is now the priority.
Why We Wrote This Who has a better model for confronting the novel coronavirus, a democratic or authoritarian regime? And which nation is more trustworthy? Big power competition has not ended with a global pandemic.
The brouhaha over virus terminology and provenance has taken center stage in the rising tensions between the United States and China. The two world powers have added the coronavirus crisis to the other battlefronts – from South Asian sea power to trade and 5G technology – in their accelerating global competition.
Editor’s note: As a public service, we’ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.
Moreover, for many geopolitical experts looking ahead to the post-pandemic period, perceptions of how the world’s two major powers handle the pandemic both at home and on the international stage will go a long way in determining whether China or the U.S. comes out of the crisis with the upper hand.
For some analysts, the early absence of the U.S. from a leadership role in addressing the global health and economic crises could cement the perception of the U.S. as a retreating leader of a creaking international order.
China is busy filling that leadership void with a double-edged global messaging campaign – painting a picture of domestic success in addressing the virus while at the same time sowing disinformation and a sense of disarray about the West’s response – that it hopes will serve it well in the post-pandemic period, Western intelligence officials and analysts say.
“Opportunity” to challenge China
But others see an opportunity for the U.S. to seize on the disruption the pandemic will wreak on international governing structures and diplomacy to reassert its role in the global order.
“This pandemic is going to upend many aspects of the international order in ways that will further challenge U.S. global leadership, but it will also be an opportunity to reset our grand strategy and to reassess the strategic options available to the United States,” says Muqtedar Khan, a professor of international relations at the University of Delaware in Newark. “The U.S. can use this opportunity to better challenge China while reasserting its role in the world.”
So far, the Trump administration has largely focused on keeping China in the international hot seat by putting a spotlight on its role as the source of a virus that has spread to much of the world.
While Mr. Pompeo has preferred “Wuhan virus” to remind the world that experts trace the virus back to the Chinese city, President Donald Trump has used “China virus” and “Chinese virus” to drive home the same point. But with Asian-Americans citing the nomenclature as a factor in rising racist attacks, Mr. Trump backed off that practice last week, saying “everybody knows” already where the virus originated.
Mr. Trump held a phone call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Friday and said in a tweet that the two countries are “working closely together” to address the pandemic, though he did not specify how. He added he had “much respect” for Mr. Xi’s handling of the crisis.
Mr. Pompeo says his use of “Wuhan” is not just a matter of nomenclature, but a means of calling out China for a lack of transparency in the Chinese system and for early attempts at a cover-up of the virus’s existence that he says contributed to its global spread.
And despite the president’s pledge of cooperation, the State Department is not backing off its crusade against what Mr. Pompeo describes as the Communist Party’s “disinformation campaign” concerning China’s response to the coronavirus.
Aly Song/Reuters View caption Hide caption Barber Xiong Juan cuts a customer's hair at a residential compound in Wuhan, Hubei province, the epicenter of China's coronavirus outbreak, March 30, 2020. China says its domestic policies have been successful in containing the spread of the virus.
Diplomats at the United Nations report that U.S. demands that China be held responsible for actions that contributed to the pandemic have stymied passage of a Security Council coronavirus resolution.
And on Friday U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, sent a letter to Secretary Pompeo encouraging him to launch a “multilateral” inquiry with like-minded “democracies” into China’s “coverup and disinformation campaign.” Beijing’s censorship of early information about a new virus is now “putting millions of American lives at risk,” he said.
Chinese make their case
China, for its part, has not sat idly by. First Beijing circulated unsubstantiated claims that the virus was introduced to Hubei province, of which Wuhan is the capital, by visiting American military officials. Then China’s media seized on the notion that the first cases of coronavirus may actually have surfaced in Italy.
But more recently, the Chinese have seized on mounting signs of the virus’s weakening hold on the country by touting their intervention measures, comparing them favorably to Western efforts, including in the U.S. Moreover, they have taken to intimating that their authoritarian system is a better match for such a social threat than are democracies prioritizing personal freedoms.
“China’s signature strength, efficiency and speed in this fight, has been widely acclaimed,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian declared recently, adding that China was now recognized as having set “a new standard for the global efforts against the epidemic.”
For some analysts, the sparring between the U.S. and China simply adds a new chapter to the ongoing great-power competition.
“We’re in a long-term competition where this [pandemic] messaging battle enters as a new element, but I don’t see that anything is going to change drastically,” says James Carafano, director for foreign policy studies at the Heritage Foundation in Washington.
“This administration has been calling balls and strikes on China from early on,” he adds, citing Mr. Trump’s frequent warm words for Mr. Xi even as the administration has taken China to task over its trade practices, human rights violations, “predatory” economic relations with developing countries, intellectual property thefts, and more.
“We’re going to be in the middle of this messaging war for a long time,” Mr. Carafano says, “but the administration knows the U.S. can compete there.”
Other experts in international relations are not so optimistic.
Some cite the generally good press China is getting, particularly in Europe, for its pledges of assistance to stricken countries, and they are contrasting that with what they see as America’s absence from its usual leadership role. A common narrative is that China is demonstrating increasing sophistication at soft-power diplomacy, a realm in which the United States long excelled and China didn’t even attempt to compete.
Some go so far as to warn that the pandemic could one day be looked back on as the turning point that marked the end of the American century of global leadership.
Comparing lockdowns
Yet no one is calling that outcome inevitable or deeming China’s victory in the pandemic messaging wars a foregone conclusion. The U.S. can still carry the day by showcasing the strengths of a system that promotes democratic responses and individual ingenuity, some say.
“You’re absolutely seeing the difference between lockdown policies in authoritarian regimes and lockdown policies in democracies,” says Heather Conley, director of the Europe program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “What we’re seeing in the West [is] the bottom-up approach, that you have neighbors helping neighbors and you have states making decisions. Certainly it’s ad-hoc and looks chaotic,” she adds, “but I think there are some strengths in that response as well that a top-down state-led government cannot allow for.”
The U.S. needs to take China’s successes in the soft-power arena as a wake-up call that America’s pullback over recent years from its leadership role in the international arena is not going to go unchallenged, says Dr. Khan of the University of Delaware.
In the post-pandemic period, he adds, the U.S. will have to undertake a robust return to multilateral dialogue and institutions, and be more proactive about challenging China’s efforts to undercut U.S. leadership and the Western governance model.
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“The authoritarian model may appeal even more to a lot of developing countries, so this also becomes about saving the American model globally – private enterprise and capitalism, liberal democracy, human rights,” he says. “All of that’s at stake.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, we’ve removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


Daily for May 19, 2020

Business is booming at Codman Community Farms in Lincoln , Massachusetts .
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic , sales of pasture-raised meat and eggs have been up some 500 % , says Jennifer Hashley , who lives on the farm and directs a farming sustainability organization affiliated with Tufts University .
It ’ s hard to keep the farm store stocked .
People who have never bought locally are buying out eggs and lamb and lettuce .
“ People are coming out of the woodwork to purchase directly from us , ” she says .
The situation is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ contacts regularly in his role as professor in agriculture and life sciences at Iowa State University .
There , facing a dramatic slowdown in processing plants , hog farmers have been making the excruciating decision of whether to slaughter and discard tens of thousands of piglets – next month ’ s food – or to dispose of fully grown pigs who should have been going to grocery stores .
Either way , the economic and emotional impact is devastating .
“ It ’ s truly awful , ” Mr. Hayes says .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them , and there are people crying on the phone.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
Across the country , the pandemic has rippled through the food chain and agricultural sector , often in divergent ways .
Americans are facing shortages of some staple foods , such as flour and dried beans .
Price fluctuations , such as the dramatic spike in the cost of eggs last month , have fueled cycles of panic buying .
Images of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ crops have gone viral across social media .
Farmers , meanwhile , are facing unprecedented financial challenges , even as some direct-to-consumer operations are flourishing .
Throughout this , many agricultural economists point out , overall access to food for Americans has remained remarkably stable .
But the challenges and changes have been unnerving to many .
And this has led some to take a closer look at the country ’ s food supply chain – perhaps for the first time – and wonder whether there are ways it could be improved .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ about how this system works , ” says Trey Malone , an assistant professor and extension economist with Michigan State University ’ s department of agricultural , food , and resource economics .
“ Less than 1 % of the American population works in agricultural production .
All of us rely on this system .
And 99 % of us don ’ t think about it .
This is one moment where you think , ‘ Oh my goodness , I don ’ t know where this food has come from.
’ ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States looks more like a massive spider web than a line .
A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign last year used multiple data sources to produce a map showing the flow of grains , fruits and vegetables , animal feed , and processed food items within the country .
They found 9.5 million or so points of contact between different U.S. counties .
A farmer might grow corn in one location , for instance , ship it to another state for storage , have it transformed into animal feed in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a feedlot .
The animals who eat that feed might be processed in yet another location , and then returned , shrink-wrapped , to grocery stores near the farm where the corn was first harvested .
Look globally , and the situation gets even more complicated .
The U.S. imports about 15 % of its food , including just over half of its fruits and vegetables , and most of the coffee .
It exports , in dollar terms , a bit more .
For the most part , this has created @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
But during this pandemic , some nodes of this supply web have turned into choke points , often because of policy decisions unrelated to agriculture .
When airlines , for instance , grounded flights , that also meant a slowdown in trade , explains Will Martin , a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute .
“ Half of the world ’ s air freight goes in the bellies of passenger planes , ” he says .
When restaurants and schools closed to comply with social distancing orders , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are separate chains for the residential market and the “ food away from home ” market .
And although the latter tends to be hyper efficient – producers can predict , for instance , how many wings American consumers will eat at restaurants during March Madness – it is also quite difficult to pivot .
( When March Madness is canceled , the production chain can ’ t just shift to turn that chicken into boneless breasts sold at grocery stores . )
“ It ’ s a totally different business model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Glynwood Center for Food and Farming in Hudson , New York .
“ If you are a wholesale farmer , you ’ re growing a few crops and you ’ re selling a lot of it to a relatively small number of buyers .
You don ’ t have ads .
You don ’ t have a website .
You don ’ t have a way for a person to buy food from you .
...
It ’ s a totally different back end and production plan.
” Think about eggs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the agricultural economics department at Purdue University .
Some big egg operations only supply restaurants .
Others produce only 50-gallon drums of liquid eggs to be used in cafeterias .
These operations don ’ t have people to grade the eggs or put them in cartons for consumer retail .
They can ’ t even get cartons because cardboard manufacturers can ’ t switch up their operations to make the correct packaging quickly enough .
Add to that a rush of consumers baking at home and there is a temporary shortage .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ buying eggs , ” he says .
“ The industry wasn ’ t able to adapt to that.
” Glynwood and other groups , including Ms. Hashley ’ s New Entry Sustainable Farming Project , which guides newcomers to the agricultural sector , have been working with local farmers to figure out how to market directly to consumers .
While they don ’ t suggest eliminating imports , either from across the world or across the country , they believe that establishing more robust local networks will lead to a more resilient system @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is homogeneous and centralized has vulnerabilities in lots of ways , ” Ms. Finlay says .
“ We ’ re seeing it right now in meat production and processors.
” Last month , some of the country ’ s largest meat processing plants , which control most of the meat going into the country ’ s food system , stopped operation because of concerns about their workforce and COVID-19 .
That created not only a shortage of meat throughout the country , but what Professor Hayes describes as an “ elevator effect ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ With farmers unable to ship their fully grown pigs to the processors , there was no room in their barns for the piglets that they had already contracted months ago to purchase .
And so the animals piled up .
With such a small number of processors handling such a large percentage of the meat coming through the system , the impact was devastating , says Professor Hayes .
Agricultural groups are working with the federal government to help get assistance to livestock farmers , and also ease regulations on smaller producers and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more easily sell directly to consumers .
But longer term , many experts say , there may have to be a debate about whether to bring more automation into animal processing , whether to create less efficient but more flexible processes for production , and how to mitigate the pandemic ’ s financial toll on farmers so that agricultural production doesn ’ t drop .
“ We need to think long and hard about how we support our growers in the United States , ” says Professor Malone .
Throughout all of this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be important to keep in mind how well the American food system has done – despite the inability to find those dried chickpeas .
“ I think the food system responded remarkably well to this totally unexpected , really abrupt change , ” he says .
“ There ’ s food .
People say , ‘ Well , I had to do without my favorite brand a few days.
’ It just shows how much we take for granted.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus @ @ @ @ @ @ @

Where’s the beef? Pandemic exposes cracks in US food system. Collapse
Business is booming at Codman Community Farms in Lincoln, Massachusetts. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, sales of pasture-raised meat and eggs have been up some 500%, says Jennifer Hashley, who lives on the farm and directs a farming sustainability organization affiliated with Tufts University. It’s hard to keep the farm store stocked. People who have never bought locally are buying out eggs and lamb and lettuce.
“People are coming out of the woodwork to purchase directly from us,” she says.
The situation is quite different for the farmers Dermot Hayes contacts regularly in his role as professor in agriculture and life sciences at Iowa State University. There, facing a dramatic slowdown in processing plants, hog farmers have been making the excruciating decision of whether to slaughter and discard tens of thousands of piglets – next month’s food – or to dispose of fully grown pigs who should have been going to grocery stores. Either way, the economic and emotional impact is devastating.
“It’s truly awful,” Mr. Hayes says. “I’ve been on calls with them, and there are people crying on the phone.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Across the country, the pandemic has rippled through the food chain and agricultural sector, often in divergent ways. Americans are facing shortages of some staple foods, such as flour and dried beans. Price fluctuations, such as the dramatic spike in the cost of eggs last month, have fueled cycles of panic buying. Images of empty supermarket shelves and farmers plowing under crops have gone viral across social media. Farmers, meanwhile, are facing unprecedented financial challenges, even as some direct-to-consumer operations are flourishing.
Throughout this, many agricultural economists point out, overall access to food for Americans has remained remarkably stable. But the challenges and changes have been unnerving to many. And this has led some to take a closer look at the country’s food supply chain – perhaps for the first time – and wonder whether there are ways it could be improved.
“It’s incredible to think about how this system works,” says Trey Malone, an assistant professor and extension economist with Michigan State University’s department of agricultural, food, and resource economics. “Less than 1% of the American population works in agricultural production. All of us rely on this system. And 99% of us don’t think about it. This is one moment where you think, ‘Oh my goodness, I don’t know where this food has come from.’”
Cracks emerge
The food supply chain in the United States looks more like a massive spider web than a line. A research team at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign last year used multiple data sources to produce a map showing the flow of grains, fruits and vegetables, animal feed, and processed food items within the country. They found 9.5 million or so points of contact between different U.S. counties. A farmer might grow corn in one location, for instance, ship it to another state for storage, have it transformed into animal feed in a different county, then shipped elsewhere to a feedlot. The animals who eat that feed might be processed in yet another location, and then returned, shrink-wrapped, to grocery stores near the farm where the corn was first harvested.
SOURCE: “Food flows between counties in the United States” by Xiaowen Lin, Paul J Ruess, Landon Marston, and Megan Konar (https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ab29ae/meta)
Look globally, and the situation gets even more complicated. The U.S. imports about 15% of its food, including just over half of its fruits and vegetables, and most of the coffee. It exports, in dollar terms, a bit more.
For the most part, this has created a system of plentiful and accessible food. But during this pandemic, some nodes of this supply web have turned into choke points, often because of policy decisions unrelated to agriculture.
When airlines, for instance, grounded flights, that also meant a slowdown in trade, explains Will Martin, a senior research fellow at the International Food Policy Research Institute.
“Half of the world’s air freight goes in the bellies of passenger planes,” he says.
When restaurants and schools closed to comply with social distancing orders, markets disappeared for farmers and processors. There are separate chains for the residential market and the “food away from home” market. And although the latter tends to be hyper efficient – producers can predict, for instance, how many wings American consumers will eat at restaurants during March Madness – it is also quite difficult to pivot. (When March Madness is canceled, the production chain can’t just shift to turn that chicken into boneless breasts sold at grocery stores.)
“It’s a totally different business model,” says Kathleen Finlay, president of the Glynwood Center for Food and Farming in Hudson, New York. “If you are a wholesale farmer, you’re growing a few crops and you’re selling a lot of it to a relatively small number of buyers. You don’t have ads. You don’t have a website. You don’t have a way for a person to buy food from you. ... It’s a totally different back end and production plan.”
Joel Martinez/The Monitor/AP) View caption Hide caption Farmworker Rosendo Aguirre wears a handmade mask as he and others prepare watermelons for harvest in Edinburg, Texas, May 12, 2020.
Think about eggs, says Jayson Lusk, head of the agricultural economics department at Purdue University. Some big egg operations only supply restaurants. Others produce only 50-gallon drums of liquid eggs to be used in cafeterias. These operations don’t have people to grade the eggs or put them in cartons for consumer retail. They can’t even get cartons because cardboard manufacturers can’t switch up their operations to make the correct packaging quickly enough. Add to that a rush of consumers baking at home and there is a temporary shortage.
“Everybody shows up in the grocery store buying eggs,” he says. “The industry wasn’t able to adapt to that.”
Finding flexibility
Glynwood and other groups, including Ms. Hashley’s New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, which guides newcomers to the agricultural sector, have been working with local farmers to figure out how to market directly to consumers. While they don’t suggest eliminating imports, either from across the world or across the country, they believe that establishing more robust local networks will lead to a more resilient system.
“The conventional food system that is homogeneous and centralized has vulnerabilities in lots of ways,” Ms. Finlay says. “We’re seeing it right now in meat production and processors.”
Last month, some of the country’s largest meat processing plants, which control most of the meat going into the country’s food system, stopped operation because of concerns about their workforce and COVID-19. That created not only a shortage of meat throughout the country, but what Professor Hayes describes as an “elevator effect” for hogs coming through the system. With farmers unable to ship their fully grown pigs to the processors, there was no room in their barns for the piglets that they had already contracted months ago to purchase. And so the animals piled up.
With such a small number of processors handling such a large percentage of the meat coming through the system, the impact was devastating, says Professor Hayes. Agricultural groups are working with the federal government to help get assistance to livestock farmers, and also ease regulations on smaller producers and processors so that ranchers and farmers can more easily sell directly to consumers.
But longer term, many experts say, there may have to be a debate about whether to bring more automation into animal processing, whether to create less efficient but more flexible processes for production, and how to mitigate the pandemic’s financial toll on farmers so that agricultural production doesn’t drop.
“We need to think long and hard about how we support our growers in the United States,” says Professor Malone.
Throughout all of this, Professor Lusk says, it will be important to keep in mind how well the American food system has done – despite the inability to find those dried chickpeas.
“I think the food system responded remarkably well to this totally unexpected, really abrupt change,” he says. “There’s food. People say, ‘Well, I had to do without my favorite brand a few days.’ It just shows how much we take for granted.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-05-20--What will it take to get kids back to class? Three questions.

“ There ’ s a lot of fear and a lot of concern , ” he says , “ and the way you handle that is by being methodical , by being strategic , and being open and transparent and including everyone in the conversation.
” One key for an effective return is for school leaders to ask parents and community members what their biggest concerns are and work together toward finding solutions , says Robert Hull , president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education .
“ I see this as a transition period , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bibb County Public School District in Macon , Georgia .
“ I think this will give us an opportunity to make a transition to the next phase of what public education looks like.
” As districts across the United States consider what comes next , leaders say they are sorting out how best to conduct learning while keeping staff and students safe .
When back-to-school time rolls around in a few months , the changes to education will likely be obvious : more hand sanitizing , fewer assemblies , the lingering – @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning .
What will K-12 schools look like when their doors eventually reopen ?
Education leaders in the United States are planning multiple options for the fall , ranging from all students returning to buildings to continuing fully remote learning .
What schools decide will vary based on guidance from local and state officials .
Various approaches are already being seen as some schools reopen in Europe .
France has already had to reclose some schools .
A number of issues will inform the decisions of school officials .
How will K-12 schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ social distancing , hygiene , and heightened cleanings are top priorities for schools .
A report on reopening from the American Enterprise Institute , a Washington think tank , recommends face masks worn by staff and students , frequent temperature checks and hand-washing , and desks placed 6 feet apart .
This week , the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. also updated suggestions for schools .
Other ideas include lunch in classrooms , closed playgrounds , and no all-school assemblies .
“ I think the real question is what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ find changed , ” says Robert Hull , president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
Curtis Jones , superintendent of the Bibb County Public School District in Macon , Georgia , which serves about 21,000 students , says he ’ s planning on various scenarios for schools to reopen in August , including students coming to school for two or three days and learning remotely the other @ @ @ @ @ @ @ full online curriculum for students who choose not to return .
He thinks some students will return full time , but classes will be smaller .
“ I see this as a transition period , ” says Dr. Jones .
“ I think this will give us an opportunity to make a transition to the next phase of what public education looks like.
” In Reno , Nevada , schools in Washoe County School District will see more frequent cleanings , protective equipment for all employees , hand sanitizer stations , and social @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kristen McNeill .
She ’ s also considering installing plexiglass in front offices and additional buses to space out kids in the district of about 64,000 students .
Remote learning plays a key part in reopening plans and public education going forward , educators say .
The Maryland State Department of Education recovery plan , for instance , suggests options such as alternating weeks of in-person and remote instruction .
One key concern is that millions of students who lack access to devices and the internet could be left out of remote learning @ @ @ @ @ @ @ student has to be a given moving forward , otherwise this remote learning will not work and we essentially will be denying many children their free , appropriate education which they are entitled to in this country , ” says Susan Enfield , superintendent of the Highline Public Schools district in Burien , Washington , just south of Seattle .
Dr. Enfield estimates 2,500 students in her district are still without internet connectivity and calls it the biggest barrier for remote learning , which she believes will be a part of how schools @ @ @ @ @ @ @ district are working with teachers and families to find out what has worked and what needs to be changed with remote learning and are developing plans to have more “ synchronous ” remote learning in the future where teachers and students are online together for a class session .
School leaders acknowledge that many parents and school staff may not feel comfortable returning to school under social distancing guidelines , or without a COVID-19 vaccine .
An early May poll of 500 parents from the National Parents Union found that 67 % supported @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reopening won ’ t pose a health risk .
Many teachers , janitors , bus drivers , and other school staff are above the ages considered higher risk and teachers unions have cautioned against opening schools too soon .
Dr. Jones says schools in Bibb County have technology in all classrooms , so there are ways for teachers to join students from a remote location while a substitute is in the classroom .
That option for at-risk educators was also included in a plan published in late April by one union , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ School District already runs a virtual K-12 school and Dr. McNeill is considering expanding its capacity .
Mr .
Hull , of the school board association , recommends school leaders ask parents and community members what their biggest concerns are and work together toward finding solutions .
“ There ’ s a lot of fear and a lot of concern , ” he says , “ and the way you handle that is by being methodical , by being strategic , and being open and transparent and including everyone in the conversation.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has been updated to include the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

“There’s a lot of fear and a lot of concern,” he says, “and the way you handle that is by being methodical, by being strategic, and being open and transparent and including everyone in the conversation.”
One key for an effective return is for school leaders to ask parents and community members what their biggest concerns are and work together toward finding solutions, says Robert Hull, president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education.
“I see this as a transition period,” says Curtis Jones, superintendent of the Bibb County Public School District in Macon, Georgia. “I think this will give us an opportunity to make a transition to the next phase of what public education looks like.”
When will students return to school buildings? Educators are still weighing that, keeping in mind that polls suggest parents want health risks eliminated. What K-12 education might look like in the fall is starting to take shape.
As districts across the United States consider what comes next, leaders say they are sorting out how best to conduct learning while keeping staff and students safe.
When back-to-school time rolls around in a few months, the changes to education will likely be obvious: more hand sanitizing, fewer assemblies, the lingering – or perhaps permanent – presence of online learning.
What will K-12 schools look like when their doors eventually reopen? Education leaders in the United States are planning multiple options for the fall, ranging from all students returning to buildings to continuing fully remote learning. What schools decide will vary based on guidance from local and state officials. Various approaches are already being seen as some schools reopen in Europe. France has already had to reclose some schools. A number of issues will inform the decisions of school officials.
How will K-12 schools look different when they reopen?
Promoting social distancing, hygiene, and heightened cleanings are top priorities for schools. A report on reopening from the American Enterprise Institute, a Washington think tank, recommends face masks worn by staff and students, frequent temperature checks and hand-washing, and desks placed 6 feet apart. This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the U.S. also updated suggestions for schools. Other ideas include lunch in classrooms, closed playgrounds, and no all-school assemblies.
Why We Wrote This When will students return to school buildings? Educators are still weighing that, keeping in mind that polls suggest parents want health risks eliminated. What K-12 education might look like in the fall is starting to take shape.
“I think the real question is what will [students and staff] not find changed,” says Robert Hull, president and CEO of the National Association of State Boards of Education.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Curtis Jones, superintendent of the Bibb County Public School District in Macon, Georgia, which serves about 21,000 students, says he’s planning on various scenarios for schools to reopen in August, including students coming to school for two or three days and learning remotely the other days, as well as developing a full online curriculum for students who choose not to return. He thinks some students will return full time, but classes will be smaller.
“I see this as a transition period,” says Dr. Jones. “I think this will give us an opportunity to make a transition to the next phase of what public education looks like.”
In Reno, Nevada, schools in Washoe County School District will see more frequent cleanings, protective equipment for all employees, hand sanitizer stations, and social distancing measures once reopened, says Superintendent Kristen McNeill. She’s also considering installing plexiglass in front offices and additional buses to space out kids in the district of about 64,000 students.
Will remote learning continue?
Remote learning plays a key part in reopening plans and public education going forward, educators say. The Maryland State Department of Education recovery plan, for instance, suggests options such as alternating weeks of in-person and remote instruction.
One key concern is that millions of students who lack access to devices and the internet could be left out of remote learning.
“Home internet access for every student has to be a given moving forward, otherwise this remote learning will not work and we essentially will be denying many children their free, appropriate education which they are entitled to in this country,” says Susan Enfield, superintendent of the Highline Public Schools district in Burien, Washington, just south of Seattle.
Dr. Enfield estimates 2,500 students in her district are still without internet connectivity and calls it the biggest barrier for remote learning, which she believes will be a part of how schools operate going forward.
Staff in the district are working with teachers and families to find out what has worked and what needs to be changed with remote learning and are developing plans to have more “synchronous” remote learning in the future where teachers and students are online together for a class session.
How will schools accommodate varying comfort levels?
School leaders acknowledge that many parents and school staff may not feel comfortable returning to school under social distancing guidelines, or without a COVID-19 vaccine.
An early May poll of 500 parents from the National Parents Union found that 67% supported keeping schools closed until officials are certain reopening won’t pose a health risk. Many teachers, janitors, bus drivers, and other school staff are above the ages considered higher risk and teachers unions have cautioned against opening schools too soon.
Dr. Jones says schools in Bibb County have technology in all classrooms, so there are ways for teachers to join students from a remote location while a substitute is in the classroom. That option for at-risk educators was also included in a plan published in late April by one union, the American Federation of Teachers. Washoe County School District already runs a virtual K-12 school and Dr. McNeill is considering expanding its capacity.
Mr. Hull, of the school board association, recommends school leaders ask parents and community members what their biggest concerns are and work together toward finding solutions. “There’s a lot of fear and a lot of concern,” he says, “and the way you handle that is by being methodical, by being strategic, and being open and transparent and including everyone in the conversation.”
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to include the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-05-20--Why the US is experiencing a 'baby bust'

Births in the United States continued to fall last year , leading to the fewest number of newborns in 35 years .
The decline is the latest sign of a prolonged national `` baby bust '' that 's been going on for more than a decade .
And some experts believe the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the economy will suppress the numbers further .
`` This unpredictable environment , and anxiety about the future , is going to make women think twice about having children , '' said Dr. Denise Jamieson , chair of obstetrics and gynecology at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
The report , which is considered preliminary , is based on a review of more than 99 % of birth certificates issued last year .
The CDC found the number of births fell about 1 % from 2018 , to about 3.7 million .
Birth rates continued to fall for teen moms and for women in their 20s .
Aside from a one-year uptick in 2014 , U.S. births have been falling every year since 2007 , when a recession hit the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the economy rebounded .
Experts say there are a number of causes , but chief among them are shifting attitudes about motherhood : Many women and couples delay childbearing and have fewer kids once they start .
The economy is a factor , but not because of short-term cycles in hiring .
Many jobs are low-paying and unstable , and that coupled with high rents and other factors have caused women and couples to be much more cautious about having kids , said Dr. John Santelli , a Columbia University professor of population @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what will happen to births this year , said Brady Hamilton , the CDC report 's lead author .
The impact of the last few months ' events wo n't become clear in maternity wards until late this year or early next , he said .
Mr. Santelli said it 's possible births will go up , at least among some groups .
Access to birth control and abortion has become more difficult , and some homebound couples may find themselves with greater opportunity to conceive , he said .
But others say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The idea that there will be a lot of `` coronababies '' is `` widely perceived as a myth , '' said Hans-Peter Kohler , a University of Pennsylvania fertility researcher .
The debate most demographers are having is not about whether there will be a decline , but whether it will be lasting , he said .
`` The decline due to COVID-19 might be different given the extent and severity of the crisis , and the long-lasting uncertainty that is caused by it , '' Mr. Kohler wrote in an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ report : • Birth rates fell last year for nearly all age groups up to 34 years old , but rose for women in their early 40s .
• The birth rate for 15– to 19-year-olds dropped 5 % from 2019 .
It 's fallen almost every year since 1991 .
• The cesarean delivery rate dropped to under 32 % .
• The percentage of infants born at less than 37 weeks of gestation inched up for the fifth year in a row , to more than 10 % .
This article @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Births in the United States continued to fall last year, leading to the fewest number of newborns in 35 years.
The decline is the latest sign of a prolonged national "baby bust" that's been going on for more than a decade. And some experts believe the coronavirus pandemic and its impact on the economy will suppress the numbers further.
"This unpredictable environment, and anxiety about the future, is going to make women think twice about having children," said Dr. Denise Jamieson, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Emory University.
The latest numbers were released Wednesday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The report, which is considered preliminary, is based on a review of more than 99% of birth certificates issued last year.
The CDC found the number of births fell about 1% from 2018, to about 3.7 million. Birth rates continued to fall for teen moms and for women in their 20s.
Aside from a one-year uptick in 2014, U.S. births have been falling every year since 2007, when a recession hit the country. The drop continued even after the economy rebounded.
Experts say there are a number of causes, but chief among them are shifting attitudes about motherhood: Many women and couples delay childbearing and have fewer kids once they start.
The economy is a factor, but not because of short-term cycles in hiring. Many jobs are low-paying and unstable, and that coupled with high rents and other factors have caused women and couples to be much more cautious about having kids, said Dr. John Santelli, a Columbia University professor of population and family health.
It's unclear what will happen to births this year, said Brady Hamilton, the CDC report's lead author. The impact of the last few months' events won't become clear in maternity wards until late this year or early next, he said.
Mr. Santelli said it's possible births will go up, at least among some groups. Access to birth control and abortion has become more difficult, and some homebound couples may find themselves with greater opportunity to conceive, he said.
But others say it's more likely births will plummet.
The idea that there will be a lot of "coronababies" is "widely perceived as a myth," said Hans-Peter Kohler, a University of Pennsylvania fertility researcher.
The debate most demographers are having is not about whether there will be a decline, but whether it will be lasting, he said.
"The decline due to COVID-19 might be different given the extent and severity of the crisis, and the long-lasting uncertainty that is caused by it," Mr. Kohler wrote in an email.
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Other highlights from the CDC report:
Birth rates fell last year for nearly all age groups up to 34 years old, but rose for women in their early 40s.
The birth rate for 15– to 19-year-olds dropped 5% from 2019. It's fallen almost every year since 1991.
The cesarean delivery rate dropped to under 32%.
The percentage of infants born at less than 37 weeks of gestation inched up for the fifth year in a row, to more than 10%.
This article was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-03-26--In France, buying baguettes daily becomes a moral choice

In France , the fight against COVID-19 is being waged one baguette at a time .
No longer just a mere staple , the iconic loaf and the French daily ritual of buying it have become loaded with moral , civic , and public health considerations that could never have been imagined before the new coronavirus turned life upside down .
In a nation in lockdown , popping out for a fresh baguette is proving a handy excuse for people to get out of the house .
There is one notable exception : a town on the Mediterranean coast where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just that , to keep them indoors .
But eschewing the crusty comfort of a fresh-baked baguette has become significant , too – a small sacrifice in this new era where sacrifices are being asked of many .
For some , not buying bread daily and instead staying indoors to try to stay healthy has become an act in itself , a gesture of solidarity with the doctors and nurses fighting to save lives in stressed emergency wards .
Trying to steer a path between their love of bread and beating the virus @ @ @ @ @ @ @ baguettes by the armful and freezing them .
That would have been a gastronomic no-no in normal times .
But defrosting and reheating is now a pragmatic , civic-minded , and health-conscious compromise , certainly better than no baguette at all .
The French have baked long loaves for centuries and coined `` baguette '' – or stick – around 120 years ago in Paris .
Millions of French consume billions of baguettes each year , and not just as fuel .
Diners use hunks of bread as tools for pushing food around @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The crust makes the bread easy to grip ; its airy internal sponge soaks up sauces and the bloody juices of cooked meats .
A baguette 's saltiness accentuates flavors , while its doughy neutrality tames the tang of the most pungent cheeses .
`` It 's indispensable .
You need bread to push your food stuffs , to give them taste , for nourishment .
It is good for everything , '' masked shopper Yves Lagrellette said this week as he made what has now become his weekly baguette run in Le @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bought five in one go , for freezing .
He used to buy one daily .
When the government locked down France earlier this month , shutting down schools and stores deemed non-essential and forcing families indoors , it also gave bakers special dispensation to work every day of the week if they wish .
Baker Margot Hazard says she and her husband , Cyril , feel that with their breads and cakes , they are providing a slice of normalcy to customers who line up , standing apart , outside their door @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handwritten signs on the window that read : `` Three people maximum in the bakery . ''
`` The work really is tough at the moment , '' Ms .
Hazard said .
`` Some clients are very worried about us touching their bread and touching their change .
They are all a bit on edge .
And we are on edge , too . ''
But `` it is super important for everyone 's morale , '' she added .
`` It 's important that people eat what they want to eat @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' `` A life without bread , cheese , and wine is not French , '' she said .
Customers Marie and Jean-Claude Lemeux , now work-from-home bankers , agreed .
No sooner had he bought their baguette that he ripped one end off and nibbled it , right there in the street .
That crusty nub of pleasure even has its own name – `` le quignon . ''
`` It 's better fresh .
It 's hot , crusty , '' he said .
And baguette-buying `` allows us to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bread is an anchor at the dinner table , at family meals , '' she said .
`` We feel a need to focus on family , on food , for life to go on .
It 's symbolic . ''
But in the Mediterranean town of Sanary-sur-Mer , buying only one baguette risks a police fine of 135 euros ( $ 146 ) .
Mayor Ferdinand Bernhard says people should n't be using the buying of bread as an excuse to go out every day .
`` Anyone caught coming out of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be fined , '' he said in a telephone interview .
`` If you go once a week , you cut the risk by a factor of seven – for you , the baker , his entourage , and yours . ''
`` This is no time for people 's moods .
The priority is to not get sick , '' he said .
`` You can freeze bread .
You can even live without it . ''
`` It 's not a sacrifice .
It 's an adaptation . ''
This story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

In France, the fight against COVID-19 is being waged one baguette at a time.
No longer just a mere staple, the iconic loaf and the French daily ritual of buying it have become loaded with moral, civic, and public health considerations that could never have been imagined before the new coronavirus turned life upside down.
In a nation in lockdown, popping out for a fresh baguette is proving a handy excuse for people to get out of the house. There is one notable exception: a town on the Mediterranean coast where the mayor has banned people from doing just that, to keep them indoors.
But eschewing the crusty comfort of a fresh-baked baguette has become significant, too – a small sacrifice in this new era where sacrifices are being asked of many. For some, not buying bread daily and instead staying indoors to try to stay healthy has become an act in itself, a gesture of solidarity with the doctors and nurses fighting to save lives in stressed emergency wards.
Trying to steer a path between their love of bread and beating the virus, some in France are now buying baguettes by the armful and freezing them. That would have been a gastronomic no-no in normal times. But defrosting and reheating is now a pragmatic, civic-minded, and health-conscious compromise, certainly better than no baguette at all.
The French have baked long loaves for centuries and coined "baguette" – or stick – around 120 years ago in Paris. Millions of French consume billions of baguettes each year, and not just as fuel. Diners use hunks of bread as tools for pushing food around their plates and onto their forks. The crust makes the bread easy to grip; its airy internal sponge soaks up sauces and the bloody juices of cooked meats. A baguette's saltiness accentuates flavors, while its doughy neutrality tames the tang of the most pungent cheeses.
"It's indispensable. You need bread to push your food stuffs, to give them taste, for nourishment. It is good for everything," masked shopper Yves Lagrellette said this week as he made what has now become his weekly baguette run in Le Vesinet, west of Paris. He bought five in one go, for freezing. He used to buy one daily.
When the government locked down France earlier this month, shutting down schools and stores deemed non-essential and forcing families indoors, it also gave bakers special dispensation to work every day of the week if they wish.
Baker Margot Hazard says she and her husband, Cyril, feel that with their breads and cakes, they are providing a slice of normalcy to customers who line up, standing apart, outside their door, respecting each other's space and handwritten signs on the window that read: "Three people maximum in the bakery."
"The work really is tough at the moment," Ms. Hazard said. "Some clients are very worried about us touching their bread and touching their change. They are all a bit on edge. And we are on edge, too."
But "it is super important for everyone's morale," she added. "It's important that people eat what they want to eat, to keep their spirits up."
"A life without bread, cheese, and wine is not French," she said.
Customers Marie and Jean-Claude Lemeux, now work-from-home bankers, agreed. No sooner had he bought their baguette that he ripped one end off and nibbled it, right there in the street. That crusty nub of pleasure even has its own name – "le quignon."
"It's better fresh. It's hot, crusty," he said. And baguette-buying "allows us to get out."
"The sharing of bread is an anchor at the dinner table, at family meals," she said. "We feel a need to focus on family, on food, for life to go on. It's symbolic."
But in the Mediterranean town of Sanary-sur-Mer, buying only one baguette risks a police fine of 135 euros ($146). Mayor Ferdinand Bernhard says people shouldn't be using the buying of bread as an excuse to go out every day.
"Anyone caught coming out of a bakery with just one loaf will be fined," he said in a telephone interview. "If you go once a week, you cut the risk by a factor of seven – for you, the baker, his entourage, and yours."
"This is no time for people's moods. The priority is to not get sick," he said. "You can freeze bread. You can even live without it."
"It's not a sacrifice. It's an adaptation."
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-03-23--Monday Sunrise Briefing: No deal yet on U.S. economic rescue

A huge economic rescue bill in Congress careened off track Sunday .
On Saturday , Republicans and Democrats said they were nearing agreement after marathon talks on the approximately $ 2 trillion package to help Americans .
But by Sunday night , the cooperation had slipped .
The disagreement is reportedly over the balance between helping families , workers , and healthcare providers vs. helping corporations .
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the plan would give workers and businesses assistance to cover payrolls for the next 10 weeks ; unemployment insurance ; and a one-time “ bridge payment ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of four .
Democrats pushed for food aid and small business loans , and said three months of unemployment insurance is not enough .
They said the draft plan has a $ 500 billion “ corporate slush fund ” that lacks specifics , and doesn ’ t effectively ban corporate stock buy-backs .
Investors are hoping Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what many economists say is a looming recession .
[ Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ helping hand ?
China is moving quickly to help nations struggling with COVID-19 .
But some analysts are skeptical of Beijing ’ s motives .
It ’ s using the global crisis to build political goodwill and defuse criticism that it allowed the disease to spread , critics say .
“ The Chinese government 's failures ... will be less harshly viewed in light of the failures of other governments to respond effectively as well , '' Julian Ku at Hofstra University told the Associated Press .
Serbia 's president welcomed a shipment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and friend , '' Chinese leader Xi Jinping .
China is sending 100,000 test kits to the Philippines .
More than 10 flights carrying millions of masks and other supplies are bound for the Czech Republic this week .
Nearly 80 countries sent supplies to China during its outbreak .
“ It is China 's traditional virtue to repay goodwill with greater kindness , '' a Chinese foreign ministry official said , citing an ancient Confucian saying : `` You throw a peach to me , and I give you a white jade @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the 4-minute story .
Kenny Rogers , the husky-voiced Grammy-winning balladeer , whose career spanned six decades and multiple music genres , passed on Friday night .
“ You either do what everyone else is doing and you do it better , or you do what no one else is doing and you don ’ t invite comparison , ” Rogers told The Associated Press in 2015 .
“ So I found something that I could do that didn ’ t invite comparison….
” His biggest hits included “ Lucille , ” “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” and “ The Gambler.
” “ Kenny was one of those artists who transcended beyond one format and geographic borders , ” says Sarah Trahern , chief executive officer of the Country Music Association .
Going home : Passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship who have been quarantined on three US military bases in California are expected to be released on Tuesday and Wednesday Cinematic fast-forward : “ Just Mercy , ” a legal drama starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan , and “ The Way Back , ” starring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are available on video-on demand ahead of their scheduled release date .
Historic launch : The first national security space mission for the newly minted U.S. Space Force remains a “ Go.
” The United Launch Alliance , a private consortium , is scheduled to launch an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral , Florida , carrying a military communications satellite .
Economic signals : The U.S. Labor Department reports on the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits last week .
Earth Hour , Lights Out : Started in 2007 , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to turn off their lights for one hour , starting at 8:30 p.m. local time .
The event aims to draw attention to climate change , sustainability , and offer “ a spotlight moment that puts nature at the center of international conversations , ” according to WWF , the main sponsor .
First , it was the Italians .
Then , the Germans took to their balconies and rooftops to sing in solidarity with Italy .
In the Bavarian town of Bamberg , they brought instruments out and sang “ Bella Ciao @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The Guardian reports .
And on Friday , residents of a Dallas , Texas building gathered a flash choir at the windows .
Tenor Danzel Barber led the quarantine singalong , captured on video by KERA-TV member ( and building resident ) and organized by Bonnie Currie , another building resident .
She chose the Bill Withers song , “ Lean on me '' and her neighbors responded .
`` It 's an amazing moment of community , '' Ms. Currie told NPR .
`` People coming together even though we have to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , community , and inspiration are spreading worldwide .
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers : Quidditch in Uganda : On this pitch , women and men are equal In tonight ’ s Daily Edition , watch for the changing nature of capitalism , the next story in our Navigating Uncertainty series .
Finally , check out the Monitor ’ s selected stories from Friday 's subscription-only Daily Edition : • How do you do social distancing in a refugee camp ?
• ‘ I love this city @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jenny Durkan leads Seattle • The next Tesla ?
Why Ohio ’ s ‘ voltage valley ’ has high hopes .
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday morning news update .
Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what you think .
Thank you !

A huge economic rescue bill in Congress careened off track Sunday. On Saturday, Republicans and Democrats said they were nearing agreement after marathon talks on the approximately $2 trillion package to help Americans. But by Sunday night, the cooperation had slipped. The disagreement is reportedly over the balance between helping families, workers, and healthcare providers vs. helping corporations.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said the plan would give workers and businesses assistance to cover payrolls for the next 10 weeks; unemployment insurance; and a one-time “bridge payment” of about $3,000 for a family of four. Democrats pushed for food aid and small business loans, and said three months of unemployment insurance is not enough. They said the draft plan has a $500 billion “corporate slush fund” that lacks specifics, and doesn’t effectively ban corporate stock buy-backs.
Investors are hoping Washington can soften the blow of the healthcare crisis and what many economists say is a looming recession.
Why We Wrote This Good morning! Welcome to your Monday, March 23, 2020, sunrise briefing. Here are three news events from this past weekend (while you may have been reading "Where the Crawdads Sing," or preparing your garden, and enjoying an offline life). Also, what to look for in the news this week.
[Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.]
2. A helping hand? China is moving quickly to help nations struggling with COVID-19. But some analysts are skeptical of Beijing’s motives. It’s using the global crisis to build political goodwill and defuse criticism that it allowed the disease to spread, critics say. “The Chinese government's failures ... will be less harshly viewed in light of the failures of other governments to respond effectively as well,"Julian Ku at Hofstra University told the Associated Press.
Serbia's president welcomed a shipment of medical supplies from his "brother and friend," Chinese leader Xi Jinping. China is sending 100,000 test kits to the Philippines. More than 10 flights carrying millions of masks and other supplies are bound for the Czech Republic this week. Nearly 80 countries sent supplies to China during its outbreak. “It is China's traditional virtue to repay goodwill with greater kindness," a Chinese foreign ministry official said, citing an ancient Confucian saying: "You throw a peach to me, and I give you a white jade for friendship.”
3. Master of the 4-minute story. Kenny Rogers, the husky-voiced Grammy-winning balladeer, whose career spanned six decades and multiple music genres, passed on Friday night. “You either do what everyone else is doing and you do it better, or you do what no one else is doing and you don’t invite comparison,” Rogers told The Associated Press in 2015. “So I found something that I could do that didn’t invite comparison….”
His biggest hits included “Lucille,” “Lady” “Islands in the Stream” and “The Gambler.” “Kenny was one of those artists who transcended beyond one format and geographic borders,” says Sarah Trahern, chief executive officer of the Country Music Association.
REUTERS/Sergio Moraes View caption Hide caption In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, the statue of Christ the Redeemer is lit up with the words "We pray together" in multiple languages to support the countries that are affected by the coronavirus, March 18, 2020.
Look Ahead
Tuesday, March 24
Going home: Passengers from the Grand Princess cruise ship who have been quarantined on three US military bases in California are expected to be released on Tuesday and Wednesday
Cinematic fast-forward: “Just Mercy,” a legal drama starring Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan, and “The Way Back,” starring Ben Affleck, are among movies that are available on video-on demand ahead of their scheduled release date.
Thursday, March 26
Historic launch: The first national security space mission for the newly minted U.S. Space Force remains a “Go.” The United Launch Alliance, a private consortium, is scheduled to launch an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida, carrying a military communications satellite.
Economic signals: The U.S. Labor Department reports on the number of people who applied for unemployment benefits last week.
Saturday, March 28
Earth Hour, Lights Out: Started in 2007, this annual event encourages people and businesses to turn off their lights for one hour, starting at 8:30 p.m. local time. The event aims to draw attention to climate change, sustainability, and offer “a spotlight moment that puts nature at the center of international conversations,” according to WWF, the main sponsor.
Inspiration Watch
KERA-TV View caption Hide caption Danzel Barber led a flash singalong at a Dallas, Texas apartment building on Friday, borrowing a page from Italy's lockdown solidarity playbook.
First, it was the Italians. Then, the Germans took to their balconies and rooftops to sing in solidarity with Italy. In the Bavarian town of Bamberg, they brought instruments out and sang “Bella Ciao,” an Italian resistance song, The Guardian reports.
And on Friday, residents of a Dallas, Texas building gathered a flash choir at the windows. Tenor Danzel Barber led the quarantine singalong, captured on video by KERA-TV member (and building resident) and organized by Bonnie Currie, another building resident. She chose the Bill Withers song, “Lean on me" and her neighbors responded.
"It's an amazing moment of community," Ms. Currie told NPR. "People coming together even though we have to stay apart."
Indeed, kindness, community, and inspiration are spreading worldwide.
Hidden gem
Start your week with a recent story that inspired Monitor readers:
Quidditch in Uganda: On this pitch, women and men are equal
Sneak preview
In tonight’s Daily Edition, watch for the changing nature of capitalism, the next story in our Navigating Uncertainty series.
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Finally, check out the Monitor’s selected stories from Friday's subscription-only Daily Edition:
This is a beta test - an experiment with an early Monday morning news update. Please give us your feedback via the link below and let us know what you think. Thank you!


csmonitor--2020-03-24--Hoops and Homework: One man shelves retirement for an after-school dream

Keila Cupid , mother of 11-year-old Crisaly Cupid , lives close to the Interfaith Terrace center in a largely Spanish-speaking community .
“ My English is not good , ” she says .
But she ’ s clear in expressing her gratitude for Hoops and Homework : “ [ It ’ s ] a safe space for my daughter when I am away to my English class.
” Like so many things right now , Hoops and Homework ’ s activities have mostly been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak .
But on a Wednesday afternoon earlier in the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ organization ’ s Interfaith Terrace center and found their seats around a table .
Homework came out of backpacks .
The table quickly became a jumbled pile of books , crayons , and worksheets .
The air was filled with chuckles and curious questions .
He couldn ’ t shake the image from his mind , and it became the driving force for him to found an after-school organization , Hoops and Homework .
Herb Chasan has been a resident of Framingham , Massachusetts , for 50 years .
But it wasn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stepped into one of the city ’ s poorest neighborhoods .
He noticed a run-down basketball court and a group of children loitering nearby with nothing to do .
Herb Chasan could have eased into retirement after spending 18 years teaching math to high school students , and another 30 years remodeling homes .
But the octogenarian couldn ’ t rest .
He saw a need in the lower-income neighborhoods near his home in Framingham , and he wanted to meet it .
So Mr. Chasan founded Hoops and Homework , an after-school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for youth up to age 14 .
Since 2012 , Hoops and Homework has helped more than 300 children who otherwise would have gone home to empty houses or roamed the streets until their parents got off work .
Thanks to Mr. Chasan and a dedicated group of staff members and volunteers , the children instead have spent industrious afternoons making crafts , playing basketball , learning violin and yoga , gardening , and basking in the attention of a small army of tutors .
“ Our goal is to help these kids @ @ @ @ @ @ @ – to have a good job , to be a success , ” says Mr. Chasan .
As anyone who has launched a community organization knows , the work isn ’ t easy – but the rewards can be big .
“ Expansion in after-school programs is very slow .
It ’ s very hard to keep programs running when reimbursement rates are low , especially for programs serving low-income families , ” says Ardith Wieworka , CEO of the Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership , an advocacy group .
There is huge demand for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ms. Wieworka .
“ For every kid who ’ s in [ a ] program , there are two more kids in Massachusetts who would like to be in a program if one was available , ” she says .
These days at Hoops and Homework , it ’ s not business as usual , of course .
The regular after-school operations have been suspended amid the coronavirus outbreak .
But Mr. Chasan is still working behind the scenes , and the organization hopes to proceed with expansion plans soon .
Before the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at 3 p.m. on a Wednesday , 10 children filed in to the organization ’ s Interfaith Terrace center and found their seats around a table .
Homework came out of backpacks .
The table quickly became a jumbled pile of books , crayons , and worksheets .
The air was filled with chuckles and curious questions .
The day ’ s volunteers – a married couple – spread out to assist the children with their work , ranging from numbers to science , or maybe an art project .
Fourth grader Jadiel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ YouTuber when he grows up , says his favorite activity at the center is basketball , while fifth grader and aspiring police officer Martin Garcia sings high praise of the flashcards and math table .
In a relatively recent development , a regional YMCA – drawing on a U.S. Department of Agriculture program – has partnered with Hoops and Homework to provide balanced suppers every day .
“ We have a state-of-the-art kitchen that can produce hundreds and hundreds of meals .
So we want to be able to feed kids after school @ @ @ @ @ @ @ [ life ] skills they need , ” says Maggie Lynch , nutrition director at the MetroWest YMCA .
Hoops and Homework also has a partnership with Lovin ’ Spoonfuls , a nonprofit in the Boston area dedicated to food rescue .
According to Mr. Chasan , that organization has enabled the after-school program to continue providing meals for its most disadvantaged families during the coronavirus outbreak .
Labeled bags of food are available for families to pick up at the door of Hoops and Homework sites .
Mr. Chasan says he is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a takeout system .
Mr. Chasan has been a Framingham resident for 50 years , living about 15 minutes away from the two sites where the program is held .
But it wasn ’ t until eight years ago that he stepped into one of the city ’ s poorest neighborhoods , when he was hanging up campaign posters for a friend running for local government .
He noticed a run-down basketball court and a group of children loitering nearby with nothing to do .
He couldn ’ t shake the image from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ driving force for Hoops and Homework .
“ Can you believe I never came to this neighborhood before 2012 ?
” asks Mr. Chasan with a laugh .
Within a few months , he pitched his idea at a town hall meeting with a few others and secured $ 81,000 in town funding to start Hoops and Homework .
From then on , Mr. Chasan has captained a rigorous effort to sustain funding and expand the program .
“ He goes to all the people who are muckety-mucks in Framingham and may ask @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dodd , Mr. Chasan ’ s close friend since the 1960s .
He solicited restaurants , businesses , and city officials .
“ He was like a one-man show , ” says Ms. Dodd .
He made the program “ his mission , ” persevering through many obstacles .
It takes $ 170,000 annually , about $ 5,600 per child , to run both centers .
The sum is met through fundraising and donations , as well as through vouchers from the state .
To realize a playground at the Interfaith Terrace center @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Ricky Finlay , a board member at the time .
They acquired a grant to pay for the equipment , but the labor to build the playground came at zero cost .
“ We had ... politicians , union labor , carpenters .
We had the school superintendents .
You name it , just the community came together , ” says Mr. Finlay , who estimates the turnout was close to 200 volunteers .
Hoops and Homework has encouraged people from different parts of the community to volunteer during the after-school sessions because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , you may be doing that job , ” says Judy Wester , the organization ’ s on-call health consultant .
“ We love to have role models come in.
” Last year Paul Gildea , deputy chief at the Framingham Fire Department , heard about the program from someone at work .
Shortly afterward , he visited the Pusan center , the second Hoops and Homework site .
He enjoyed it so much that he began volunteering every Thursday .
“ The kids seem to open up ... asking me to participate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ says .
The families that participate in the program live at housing complexes located near the two sites .
Many can not afford the transportation costs to other after-school programs in Framingham .
Darlene Jette is a single parent who lives next door to the Pusan center .
She has sent her two children , a 7-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter , to Hoops and Homework since 2013 .
“ I love how they are hands-on with arts and crafts , ” says Ms. Jette .
The program goes beyond helping children .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which enables them to serve the largely Spanish-speaking community , which hails mostly from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic .
“ My English is not good , ” says Keila Cupid , a parent who lives close to the Interfaith Terrace center .
But the mother of 11-year-old Crisaly Cupid is clear in expressing her gratitude for Hoops and Homework : “ [ It ’ s ] a safe space for my daughter when I am away to my English class .
”

Keila Cupid, mother of 11-year-old Crisaly Cupid, lives close to the Interfaith Terrace center in a largely Spanish-speaking community. “My English is not good,” she says. But she’s clear in expressing her gratitude for Hoops and Homework: “[It’s] a safe space for my daughter when I am away to my English class.”
Like so many things right now, Hoops and Homework’s activities have mostly been suspended because of the coronavirus outbreak. But on a Wednesday afternoon earlier in the year, 10 children filed in to the organization’s Interfaith Terrace center and found their seats around a table. Homework came out of backpacks. The table quickly became a jumbled pile of books, crayons, and worksheets. The air was filled with chuckles and curious questions.
What does it take to launch a community organization? Herb Chasan’s experience starting and running an after-school program shows what it takes – and how the rewards can be big.
He couldn’t shake the image from his mind, and it became the driving force for him to found an after-school organization, Hoops and Homework.
Herb Chasan has been a resident of Framingham, Massachusetts, for 50 years. But it wasn’t until eight years ago that he stepped into one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods. He noticed a run-down basketball court and a group of children loitering nearby with nothing to do.
Herb Chasan could have eased into retirement after spending 18 years teaching math to high school students, and another 30 years remodeling homes. But the octogenarian couldn’t rest. He saw a need in the lower-income neighborhoods near his home in Framingham, and he wanted to meet it.
So Mr. Chasan founded Hoops and Homework, an after-school program that has provided activities and tutoring for youth up to age 14. Since 2012, Hoops and Homework has helped more than 300 children who otherwise would have gone home to empty houses or roamed the streets until their parents got off work.
Thanks to Mr. Chasan and a dedicated group of staff members and volunteers, the children instead have spent industrious afternoons making crafts, playing basketball, learning violin and yoga, gardening, and basking in the attention of a small army of tutors.
Why We Wrote This What does it take to launch a community organization? Herb Chasan’s experience starting and running an after-school program shows what it takes – and how the rewards can be big.
“Our goal is to help these kids break the cycle of poverty and jail – to have a good job, to be a success,” says Mr. Chasan.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption Herb Chasan plays on the jungle gym with a boy from the neighborhood in Framingham, Massachusetts, March 12, 2020.
As anyone who has launched a community organization knows, the work isn’t easy – but the rewards can be big.
“Expansion in after-school programs is very slow. It’s very hard to keep programs running when reimbursement rates are low, especially for programs serving low-income families,” says Ardith Wieworka, CEO of the Massachusetts Afterschool Partnership, an advocacy group.
There is huge demand for programs like Hoops and Homework, says Ms. Wieworka. “For every kid who’s in [a] program, there are two more kids in Massachusetts who would like to be in a program if one was available,” she says.
These days at Hoops and Homework, it’s not business as usual, of course. The regular after-school operations have been suspended amid the coronavirus outbreak. But Mr. Chasan is still working behind the scenes, and the organization hopes to proceed with expansion plans soon.
Books and crayons
Before the outbreak brought activity to a halt, at 3 p.m. on a Wednesday, 10 children filed in to the organization’s Interfaith Terrace center and found their seats around a table. Homework came out of backpacks. The table quickly became a jumbled pile of books, crayons, and worksheets. The air was filled with chuckles and curious questions.
The day’s volunteers – a married couple – spread out to assist the children with their work, ranging from numbers to science, or maybe an art project.
Fourth grader Jadiel Febus, who wants to be a YouTuber when he grows up, says his favorite activity at the center is basketball, while fifth grader and aspiring police officer Martin Garcia sings high praise of the flashcards and math table.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption The Hoops and Homework program has also offered opportunities for children to create artwork.
In a relatively recent development, a regional YMCA – drawing on a U.S. Department of Agriculture program – has partnered with Hoops and Homework to provide balanced suppers every day.
“We have a state-of-the-art kitchen that can produce hundreds and hundreds of meals. So we want to be able to feed kids after school and teach them how to have the [life] skills they need,” says Maggie Lynch, nutrition director at the MetroWest YMCA.
Hoops and Homework also has a partnership with Lovin’ Spoonfuls, a nonprofit in the Boston area dedicated to food rescue. According to Mr. Chasan, that organization has enabled the after-school program to continue providing meals for its most disadvantaged families during the coronavirus outbreak. Labeled bags of food are available for families to pick up at the door of Hoops and Homework sites.
Mr. Chasan says he is also working with the MetroWest YMCA on a takeout system.
The power of a basketball court
Mr. Chasan has been a Framingham resident for 50 years, living about 15 minutes away from the two sites where the program is held. But it wasn’t until eight years ago that he stepped into one of the city’s poorest neighborhoods, when he was hanging up campaign posters for a friend running for local government. He noticed a run-down basketball court and a group of children loitering nearby with nothing to do.
He couldn’t shake the image from his mind, and it became the driving force for Hoops and Homework.
“Can you believe I never came to this neighborhood before 2012?” asks Mr. Chasan with a laugh.
Within a few months, he pitched his idea at a town hall meeting with a few others and secured $81,000 in town funding to start Hoops and Homework. From then on, Mr. Chasan has captained a rigorous effort to sustain funding and expand the program.
Melanie Stetson Freeman/Staff View caption Hide caption Neighborhood children play on the basketball court that Herb Chasan helped build for the after-school program Hoops and Homework in Framingham, Massachusetts, March 12, 2020.
“He goes to all the people who are muckety-mucks in Framingham and may ask everybody for money,” says Annabel Dodd, Mr. Chasan’s close friend since the 1960s. He solicited restaurants, businesses, and city officials.
“He was like a one-man show,” says Ms. Dodd. He made the program “his mission,” persevering through many obstacles.
It takes $170,000 annually, about $5,600 per child, to run both centers. The sum is met through fundraising and donations, as well as through vouchers from the state.
To realize a playground at the Interfaith Terrace center in 2018, Mr. Chasan worked with Ricky Finlay, a board member at the time. They acquired a grant to pay for the equipment, but the labor to build the playground came at zero cost.
“We had ... politicians, union labor, carpenters. We had the school superintendents. You name it, just the community came together,” says Mr. Finlay, who estimates the turnout was close to 200 volunteers.
Hoops and Homework has encouraged people from different parts of the community to volunteer during the after-school sessions because they can tell the children “someday, you may be doing that job,” says Judy Wester, the organization’s on-call health consultant. “We love to have role models come in.”
Last year Paul Gildea, deputy chief at the Framingham Fire Department, heard about the program from someone at work. Shortly afterward, he visited the Pusan center, the second Hoops and Homework site. He enjoyed it so much that he began volunteering every Thursday.
“The kids seem to open up ... asking me to participate in games and stuff,” he says.
The families that participate in the program live at housing complexes located near the two sites. Many cannot afford the transportation costs to other after-school programs in Framingham.
Darlene Jette is a single parent who lives next door to the Pusan center. She has sent her two children, a 7-year-old son and 8-year-old daughter, to Hoops and Homework since 2013. “I love how they are hands-on with arts and crafts,” says Ms. Jette.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
The program goes beyond helping children. Most of the staff members are bilingual, which enables them to serve the largely Spanish-speaking community, which hails mostly from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.
“My English is not good,” says Keila Cupid, a parent who lives close to the Interfaith Terrace center. But the mother of 11-year-old Crisaly Cupid is clear in expressing her gratitude for Hoops and Homework: “[It’s] a safe space for my daughter when I am away to my English class.”