To limit the community spread of coronavirus, we’ve been told to practice social distancing, which means we are encouraged to reduce contact with groups of people and public spaces. In general, we are advised to stay home as much as possible—and that can get lonely.

In times of trouble, it’s amazing to see how a community pulls together. CU Denver and several Denver organizations have stepped up to offer free resources for wellbeing and connectedness. Whether you need a meal or entertainment for you or your family or some fitness inspiration, your city has you covered.

Meals

CU Denver’s Student Government Association has passed a resolution to allocate $6,000 to the CU Denver Food Pantry to “allow for the purchase of food with nutritional value and personal hygiene products to offer assistance to students struggling with food insecurity.” Because campus has moved to remote services, the Wellness Center, which oversees the student food pantry, is working on relocating the service to continue serving students who need it.

In the meantime, starting Tuesday, March 24 from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Food Bank of the Rockies will bring its Mobile Food Bank to CU Denver students every two weeks until it’s no longer needed. While supplies last, pre-made boxes of supplies will be available in the Walnut Parking Lot on West 4th Street

Denver Public Schools will offer free breakfast and lunch to students and adults at 12 locations throughout the city, using a grab-and-go style system, weekdays from Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3. Both meals can be picked up during either time.

Select Denver recreation centers will be serving dinner to children 18 years old and younger, weekdays from Monday, March 16 through Friday, April 3, from 3:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Virtual Fitness Classes

Many fitness organizations are offering free virtual workout classes to make sure people can stay active at home. CU Denver’s Wellness & Recreation Services will begin offering daily, live fitness classes via Zoom. All you need is a mat and towel, some water, and a favorite spot in your home. The first class is Power Yoga Express from noon – 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 with Amber Long, executive director of Wellness & Recreation Services. More information and registration can be found on the Wellness & Recreation Services website.

CorePower Yoga, one of Denver’s favored hot yoga studios, is closed for the time being. In order to support its community, the boutique studio is offering everyone—members, nonmembers, and people who are new to the studio—free access to a collection of online classes through CorePower Yoga On Demand.

Now especially, it’s important to take care of our health. According to Benjamin Greenwood, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology who specializes in exercise neuroscience, the benefits of any type of exercise are overwhelming. “Physical activity literally changes our brains in ways that make us resilient to the negative effects that everyday stressors can have on our mood, attention, learning and memory, and sleep,” Greenwood said. If you can’t commit to a workout class, opt for a walk around the neighborhood.

Remote Entertainment

CU Denver’s Office of International Affairs has developed a plan of action for keeping international students connecting during this time. Follow @cudenverinternational on Instagram for details and schedules.

Denver Public Library encourages you to utilize the library’s resources remotely, which are available for free seven days a week.