With SNAP participants set to receive only partial benefits for November, several restaurants are giving away or discounting meals to assist anyone who relies on the food assistance program.
Millions of Americans lost access to SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 amid the ongoing government shutdown. Two days later, the Trump administration told a federal judge it would use more than $4 billion in contingency funds to distribute 50% of the normal monthly benefits.
On Nov. 5, the Agriculture Department told a federal judge that SNAP participants would receive 65% of their normal benefits this month.
After a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to distribute SNAP payments in full to the states by Nov. 7, the administration requested an emergency pause on the order, per NBC News.
Below, we’ve rounded up a list of restaurants and other companies that are taking steps to assist SNAP participants.
Restaurant and Food Discounts for SNAP ParticipantsBubbakoo’s Burritos
SNAP participants can get a full burrito or burrito bowl for $5 at Bubbakoo’s Burritos during the shutdown.
Carl’s Jr.
Select Carl’s Jr. locations in Southern California and Arizona are currently running an EBT meal deal, per a company spokesperson. Since the offer isn’t available across the company, customers should call their local restaurant for additional information.
Per Newsweek, some locations in Southern California are selling $1 meals that include a kid’s hamburger, fries and a fountain drink. The meal is available to customers who show a federal government employee ID, a SNAP/EBT card or a military ID.
Chicken Salad Chick
Participating Chicken Salad Chick locations are running the following offer that runs through the end of the shutdown: Kids eat free (no purchase necessary). The offer is limited to one meal per child while dining in.
Church’s Texas Chicken
In response to government shutdown, Church’s Texas Chicken is offering the following deals:
Nov. 7 from 4 p.m. to close at participating locations: Customers can order eight pieces of spicy or original chicken (leg and thigh) for $4.99 in restaurants.Starting Nov. 10 at participating locations: Customers can order a 10-piece Family Meal starting at $19.99.Impossible Foods
As part of its new nationwide program, Impossible Foods will offer two free product vouchers to both SNAP participants and other Americans experiencing food insecurity. The vouchers can be redeemed at grocery stores.
TGI Fridays
TGI Fridays is running a “Kids Eat Free” promotion between Nov. 6 — 20. Families who show a valid EBT card while dining in will get one free kids meal with each adult entrée they purchase ($10 minimum) at participating U.S. locations.
Following the two-week period, TGI Fridays will run the deal each Tuesday through the end of the year.
Several Delivery Services Are Also Offering Free or Discounted Food
The following food delivery services are doing their part to help SNAP participants:
DoorDash
DoorDash will deliver 1 million meals for free in November to support 300+ Project DASH food bank partners nationwide. Additionally, DoorDash is waiving fees on approximately 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients at Sprouts, Dollar General, Schnucks, Ahold Delhaize brands, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle and Wegmans.
Gopuff
Gopuff is donating up to $10 million in free groceries in November. SNAP recipients who have a SNAP EBT card connected to their Gopuff account will receive two $25 credits to use on SNAP-eligible items. Each code is valid until 200,000 coupons are redeemed.
Instacart
In November, active SNAP customers who used their EBT SNAP benefits on Instacart in October will save half off their next Instacart order (up to a $50 discount). The offer is valid up to 100,000 redemptions (up to $5 million).
Dining and Cooking