Michelle Obama and Kerry Washington have taken to social media to address a growing problem during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as WIC, is a federal program meant to provide food and assistance to low-income women and children. It's extremely important now as millions of people struggle to survive financially under quarantines and shelter-in-place orders.
Since people began taking the virus seriously in the United States, millions have been ruthlessly wiping out stocks of everything from pasta to toilet paper, leaving little for anyone else to have.
The stockpiling of groceries and other necessary items places vulnerable populations already struggling to survive at further risk, which prompted the former FLOTUS and the Scandal actress to take to their Twitter feeds to remind people not to take items designated for those in the WIC program.
When stocking up for #SocialDistancing…If you see something labeled “WIC” please chose another brand. People who rely on WIC products to feed their kids cannot. We’re all in this together ???????? pic.twitter.com/3OwhR650m4
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) March 16, 2020
.@KerryWashington is right. The first few days of each month are crucial for families that depend on WIC products. Let’s look out for each other by taking the extra few seconds to look at those labels. Every act of kindness counts. ❤️ https://t.co/C1Eq6NmXfv
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) April 3, 2020
Both tweets racked up thousands of likes and were full of comments thanking them for reminding people to be aware of those less fortunate than themselves during a time when everyone will need to pitch in and help their fellow Americans.
Both Obama and Washington have been active in recent weeks, using the power of their global stardom to help those affected most by the coronavirus crisis.
Obama recently took to Instagram to thank first responders and nurses for their work in saving lives and to express gratitude for those who are putting their health at risk to support all of us.
"If you’re feeling as grateful for our first responders as I am, now’s the time to let them know. From our medical providers and hospital staff to our grocery, transit, and delivery workers, so many extraordinary people are putting their lives on the line to get us all through this moment," Obama wrote in the April 1 post.
"Let’s take the opportunity to tell them and their families that we see their sacrifices and we’re behind them. A handwritten letter, an Instagram post, or a simple “thank you” text can go a long way in letting someone know just how incredible they are and how much you appreciate what they’re doing," she continued.
Washington has also been hard at work using her fame for good, touting an organization bringing medical supplies to her hometown of the Bronx, New York.
The actress worked with Miley Cyrus to support MedShare, an organization that has spent more than 20 years bringing medical supplies to underserved hospitals.
"I’m grateful that I was able to give directly to my hometown – The Bronx. We gotta all do what we can. We are in this together. Sending love," Washington wrote in the April 3 post.
