Going into the week, below are a few things to know about.

Hattiesburg Public School District’s Feeding Program
Cafeterias at all HPSD school locations (except for Mary Bethune Alternative Center) will begin serving meals today (Monday, March 23), from 10 a.m. until Noon. Curbside and walk-ups only.

Meals are free for ALL children 18 & under.
The price for Adult Breakfast is $2.25; Lunch is $3.75.

Unemployment Services
The Mississippi Department of Employment Security is modifying existing unemployment compensation rules to allow workers to file a claim for unemployment benefits for workers who are affected based upon these measures below:

Those who are quarantined by a medical professional or a government agency,
Those who are laid off or sent home without pay for an extended period by their employers due to COVID-19 concerns,
Those who are diagnosed with COVID-19,
Those who are caring for an immediate family member who is diagnosed with COVID-19.
The one-week waiting period to receive benefits and the job search requirement have been waived until the end of June.
To file an Unemployment Claim, visit the MDES website at www.mdes.ms.gov or call the MDES Contact Center at 1-888-844-3577. Online filing is encouraged. However, if you need to call – the contact center hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week.

Blood Services
Hattiesburg, you have helped our community so much by simply donating blood. If you have not donated yet, there’s still time to donate through Forrest General Hospital’s blood drive. It continues today with the following locations and times:

Monday, March 23, The Orthopedic Institute, 7 a.m. until 12 p.m., 27 Southern Pointe Parkway
Monday, March 23, Pine Grove Behavioral Health & Addiction Services, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m., 2255 Broadway Drive

You also have an additional opportunity to give this week with Merit Health Wesley. Walk-in or appointments via redcrossblood.org or 1-800-Red Cross.

Thursday, March 26, Merith Health Wellness Center, 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., 210 W. Hospital Drive

Small Business Loans
The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Mississippi small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

For additional information or to apply online, visit https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at (800) 659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance. Individuals