- SNAP benefits may run out by November 1 due to the ongoing government shutdown.
- Restaurants and cafes nationwide are offering free meals to those impacted.
- Some businesses require a SNAP card, while others offer help with no questions asked.
As the federal government shutdown continues on, benefits like the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) are in jeopardy. SNAP benefits are set to run out on November 1, assuming the government does not reopen before the weekend. Though a federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered that the government use SNAP emergency funds to pay out those benefits, it’s not clear when those emergency funds will get tapped or if the White House will appeal the court’s decision. The court has set a deadline of November 3 at noon E.T. for the White House to offer an update on SNAP funding.
In the meantime, many cafes, restaurants and shops are stepping up to try and fill the looming gap that no SNAP funding could leave. More than 40 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, and around 30% of those recipients are children.
Last week, the Portland, Oregon, coffee shop Heretic shared on Instagram that, starting November 1, if you come in and ask for the “SNAP breakfast,” you can get a free meal at no charge.
The shop’s owner has shared that he plans to continue the free breakfast program until the cafe can no longer afford it. The shop has set up donation options in store and online. At the time of writing, Heretic has raised more than $280,000. This local independent coffee shop isn’t the only place trying to help out those in need—all across the country, restaurants, farmers markets and grocery stores are stepping up to support their communities.
Portland
Perhaps taking the lead from Heretic or maybe on their own, many Portland-area restaurants have said they are offering SNAP meals, including local chains like Laughing Planet and Grassa, which is offering free meals for children when you show your SNAP card. There’s no purchase necessary. Even donut shops like Mikiko Mochi, Donut Land and Delicious Donuts are offering free breakfast items—just check out their social media posts so you know what to ask for and whether you’ll need your SNAP card on hand.
Philadelphia
The city of brotherly love didn’t hesitate to offer options to Philadelphia residents who depend on SNAP benefits to make ends meet. For instance, on November 3, Mary will offer family meals to those affected by the government shutdown—so if you’ve been furloughed from a government job, you’re invited, too. Stop by between 4 and 6 p.m. and feel free to RSVP in advance so the restaurant staff know how much food they should be preparing. Juana Tamale is also offering free meals (or pay-what-you-can) for kids and some deals for adults, too. Philly Magazine has rounded up even more resources to help folks make it through.
Bay Area
The Bay Area in California is one of the most expensive places to live in the U.S., which means those who rely on SNAP to help with groceries may really struggle to get through without benefits. As the San Francisco Chronicle has reported, many restaurants throughout the Bay are offering free or reduced meals, including Puerto Rican Street Cuisine, Monster Pho and Understory in Oakland, several San Francisco restaurants and even the traveling cart Shrimpin’ Ain’t Easy.
Midwest
The middle of America isn’t leaving its people behind either. Taco John’s, a chain that serves 22 states, has announced that they will offer a free Community Support Meal—a burrito and small side of tater tots—to anyone who asks during the weekend of October 31 to November 2.
In Kansas City, the local news outlet Fox 4 has a list of restaurants with free or reduced food in the area. In Ohio, Chicken Salad Chick is offering some free kid’s meals, while libraries and other resources offer free snacks, as NBC 4 reports.
Online
Food delivery company DoorDash has also launched an emergency food response. They have pledged to deliver 1 million meals for free and partner with food banks involved in Project Dash. They’re also waiving fees on 300,000 orders placed on groceries by SNAP recipients. Grocery delivery service GoPuff is offering a $50 credit on SNAP eligible items if ordered through their system.
The Bottom Line
Keep in mind that some of the local spots don’t ask for verification of SNAP eligibility, while some of the online ones require you to input your SNAP information. Some places are providing meals for children only, while others are donating to adults as well. Look up the individual locations beforehand to make sure it’s the best fit for your needs. Food banks and food pantries are disbursed throughout the United States, and are compiled on a few databases.
If you are in a position to donate, even a couple dollars can make a big difference to these organizations and businesses who are donating time and resources to help their communities. Donate to food banks nationwide through charities like Feeding America, or find your own nearby food bank locally.
