With many families struggling to put food on the table right now, the past week or so has seen several local food businesses in Utah step up to the challenge. Here’s a list of all the businesses offering to help those in need. Let me know if you hear of more, and I’ll update the list accordingly.
South Asian
SLC
Instagram post – STANDING TOGETHER THROUGH TOUGH TIMES At The 14 Peaks Restaurant, we believe in supporting our community when it matters most. If you or your family are affected by the government shutdown, please stop by for a complimentary meal – no questions asked. It’s our small way of showing care and gratitude.”
SLC
South Asian
Instagram post – In Times of Need, We Stand Together. With the ongoing government shutdown affecting many families, we at Bhansa Ghar want to extend our heartfelt support. As a veteran-owned restaurant and a proud member of this community, we believe in standing by one another when it matters most.
If you or your family have been impacted by the shutdown, please visit us for a complimentary meal— no questions asked. This small gesture comes from a place of care, respect, and community spirit.
Additionally, in honor of Veterans Day, we will be offering free meals to all veterans and their families as a thank you for your service and sacrifice. Let’s take care of each other, uplift one another, and make sure no one feels alone during tough times.
Food truck
Chicken
Instagram story – At the cluck truck, weve built our business on the love and support of our amazing community and now. It’s our turn to give back. During this tough time, with reduced snap benefits and many government workers going without pay, we want to help our neighbors in need.
If youre struggling, please come by and enjoy a hot meal on us. No questions asked. Were also collecting non-perishable food items at our storefront to deliver to the local food bank each week. If you’d like to contribute but cant stop by in person, you can send a donation via venmo, and well take care of the shopping for you. Thank you, salt lake city, for always showing up.
SLC
Desserts
Instagram post – Right now, many families are struggling — with layoffs, government shutdowns, and SNAP benefits being cut.
I’m just a small local business, but I want to help in the way I can. Starting now, Doki Doki will give out 15 free desserts per day to anyone affected. No proof. No questions. Just kindness.
If you’d like to join in, you can pay it forward — your contribution will be added toward the total number of free desserts we give out each day. And if any go unclaimed, they’ll roll over to the next day, so every dessert will find someone who needs it.
Small acts can make a big difference. Let’s make sure everyone — especially the kids — still get a little sweetness and hope.
West Jordan
Deli / pizza
Instagram post – Enrico’s is stepping up!. No kid should ever worry about food — not here, not ever! School helps during the week, but weekends can be tough. So when Saturday rolls around, we’re here making sure bellies stay full and spirits stay high!
This Saturday, we’ll be handing out 250 free sack lunches for kids at 9:30am! Inside each bag:
- a lil’ sandwich
- a drink
- chips
- a sweet treat — because kids deserve joy
No questions. No judgment! If a kid needs it, they got it. That’s community!
Big love to @saltcitybaking for donating fresh bread on Saturday! Real ones supporting real ones They supply us with fresh bread daily! #supportlocal Spread the word so it reaches the families that need it most. And yes… we’ll be in costumes making the kiddos laugh, because food feeds the belly, but fun feeds the soul. See you Saturday, Bring the little ones!!
Food truck
Burgers
Instagram post – We’ve been so inspired by other small businesses doing what our government should be doing.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate. Carly has a full time job outside of Girls Who Smash, which means we don’t have to rely solely on the business for income. We know not every small business has that privilege, and we want to be clear this isn’t a call for others to do the same. We’re simply in a position to give back right now, and we want to.
Starting this Saturday, we’ll be offering free loaded fries and a bottle of water to anyone in need of a meal, no questions asked. We’re targeting 60 free meals each week and will try to set up near major bus lines to make access easier.
This is new for us, so please bear with us as we navigate it. We hope this reaches the right people. If you or someone you know is struggling, please come by the truck. Thank you for continuing to support us in ways big and small.
Logan
South Asian
Facebook post – Standing Together as One Community If anyone in our beautiful community is struggling to put food on the table due to the ongoing government shutdown – Himalayan Flavor stands with you. Starting today, any family affected can receive one complimentary meal per day at any of our locations – Pocatello, Idaho Falls, or Logan.
Just let our server know discreetly when you arrive and bring an ID for verification. Some limitations may apply so we can help as many families as possible. This program will continue until the government shutdown ends or as long as our resources allow.
This isn’t a promotion – it’s a community effort from our hearts. If anyone wishes to donate or sponsor meals for families in need, we warmly welcome your support. Together, we can make a bigger difference. We’ve always believed food has the power to bring people together – and in times like this, it reminds us that we’re one community, one family.
Various locations
South Asian
I can’t find the initial post from this business, which I believe we’re the first to offer up their . The Tribune has this full story with Mumbai House co-founder Dilpreet Toor, omn their offer. As of November 1st the business reported having donated more than 350 meals to those in need.
Clearfield
Coffee shop
Facebook post – Starting November 1st. If you are losing your SNAP benefits, we know feeding your family is going to be tough. Let us help with breakfast on us. No proof needed. No questions asked.
Just ask us for the “Snap Breakfast”. We will take care of you. You can come in every morning until your SNAP is back. SNAP breakfast will be available 8AM to Noon. Please note that we are closed on Mondays. I know it’s not much but I want to help and this is the best way for me to do that! Something Wicked Coffee (formerly Bean’s Coffee) 772 e 700 s in Clearfield
SLC
Coffee shop
Instagram post – Community Matters More Than Ever. We believe no one should go without a warm meal. That’s why we created our Community Gift Card — a fund anyone can add to or use when they need it.
If you’re in a position to help, you can pay it forward by adding funds at the register. If you’re struggling right now, please know this is for you too — grab what you need, no questions asked. Together, we can take care of each other.
SLC
Vegan / bakery
Instagram post – Feed It Forward Starts Now. Okay you guys — we’re starting something special called Feed It Forward. Here’s how it works. If you’re able to, buy any meal for someone in need. We’ll clip the receipt to our little bookshelf, and anyone who’s struggling can come in, grab one of those receipts, and cash it in for a warm meal — no questions asked.
I don’t know what’s going on with the government right now, but I do know that a lot of people might lose their SNAP benefits… and honestly, even if you’re not on SNAP and things are just tough — please come in. Eat. No shame, no judgment, just love.
We’re also going to start grinding fresh peanut butter and saving bread ends so we can keep peanut butter & jelly sandwiches ready to go. I’ll find a way to get some jam, too. Because no one should ever go hungry.
If you can, buy a meal for someone else. If you need one, come grab a ticket. That’s what community is all about. We love you — always.
Saratoga Springs / Orem
Korean
Instagram post – Free Fried Rice to those in need. Saratoga Springs and Orem locations only. We hope to give you some hope and light during these times. It may not be much, but we hope that you can enjoy a hot meal from us.
To get our staff ready for this we will start this in November and will do it for as long as we can. Thank You always from the bottom of our hearts.
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Hi, I’m Stuart, nice to meet you! I’m the founder, writer and wrangler at Gastronomic SLC. I’m a multiple-award winning journalist and have written in myopic detail about the Salt Lake City dining scene for the better part of seventeen years.
I’ve worked extensively with multiple local publications from Visit Salt Lake to Salt Lake Magazine, not least helped to consult on national TV. Pause those credits, yep, that’s me! I’m also a former restaurant critic of more than five years, working for the Salt Lake Tribune. I’m largely fueled by a critical obsession with rice, alliteration and the use of big words I don’t understand. What they’re saying about me: “Not inaccurate”, “I thought he was older”, “I don’t share his feelings”.
Want to know more? This is why I am the way I am.
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