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As in a number of states, many communities are doubling down on pandemic response and social distancing policies. This week’s Groundswell looks at ways communities are adapting existing local events, social programs, and celebrations to the realities of the pandemic.

Pride Month is celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall riots of June 1969, an uprising against police violence . Today, Pride parades happen annually in localities across California—but during the COVID-19 crisis, celebrations have either been cancelled or . With queer and transgender people more likely to suffer , , and emotional consequences during the pandemic, organizations are stepping up to support them. The Bay Area’s has published “,” a best-practice guide for organizations moving services online. The San Fernando Valley’s hosted a to raise funds for the . And, because the cancellation of in-person Pride events also of these critical grassroots nonprofits, proceeds from —which California organizations like SF Pride and LA Pride will take part in—will go toward an associated Relief Fund. The fund will channel resources to LGBTQI organizations in underserved regions, as well as to organizations fighting racism and systemic oppression.

Across the country, Indianapolis confronted food insecurity even before COVID-19. During the pandemic, food security organizations have thus taken on a two-fold task: meeting the urgent needs of the crisis while continuing to build a sustainable food culture in the city. Prior to the outbreak, conservative estimates suggested that —lived in a food desert, while 40 percent of the city lived in a pedestrian food desert. Now, with COVID-19 limiting transit schedules, rideshare availability, and vehicles, access to healthy food in all neighborhoods has become more important than ever. Programs like ""—which gives cohort members no-cost farming plots in the Riverside neighborhood, as well as basic equipment and mentorship from experienced farmers—have continued and even ramped up efforts to recruit urban farming entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, in northeast Indianapolis, the youth program at has continued its Next Generation Youth programming (with the help of former farmhands and a healthy dose of social distancing), and has continued delivering produce to neighbors through The Cupboard and The Sharing Place food pantries in this time of unprecedented need.

We’d love to learn how your community is adapting to these challenging times. If you have stories to share, please email passen@newamerica.org.