CHICAGO — Local restaurants are offering free and discounted meals to households affected by the funding pause on SNAP.
About 2 million Illinoians receive SNAP, according to a state news release. But federal funding for the benefit — which ensures people in need can buy food — is on pause during the shutdown.
Food pantries are increasing their efforts to help, and Chicago restaurants are offering completely free or discounted meals.
Here are some of the offers from restaurants:
- CheSa’s Bistro and Bar, 3235 W. Addison St., will provide free meals 5-7 p.m. Tuesdays. Details are here.
- Kale My Name, 3300 W. Montrose Ave., is offering free full meals to anyone in need 3-5 p.m. daily. More details here.
- Lou Malnati’s is giving out $10 coupons through Nov. 16 to people who are food insecure through a joint program with the Lawndale Community Church, according to a news release.
- Manny’s Delicatessen, 1141 S. Jefferson St., is giving out free meals to SNAP recipients starting Monday. More details here.
- October Cafe, 6046 N. Avondale Ave., is offering free meals 3-5 p.m. throughout November for people affected by the SNAP funding pause. More details here.
- Paulie Gee’s Logan Square, 2651 N. Milwaukee Ave., is offering a free kids cheese pizza for children in families whose SNAP benefits are on pause. More details here.
- Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria is offering free vegan meals for children and pregnant women at all of its locations: 5204 N. Clark St., 230 W. Chicago Ave. and 1165 W. 18th St. It has three meal options. One meal per child and per expectant mother is available, but they must be present to obtain the meals. They’re available 3-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday. Click here for more details.
- The Stopalong is offering a free 16-inch pizza at both of its locations, 2210 N. California Ave. and 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave. Click here for more details.
- Soul Food Lounge, 3804 W. 16th St., is providing free meals noon-3 p.m. Tuesdays to help people in need. Click here for more details.
Want your Chicago restaurant added to this list? Email Newsroom@BlockClubChi.org with details about your offer.
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