Gigglewaters has food for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits

SAFETY HARBOR, Fla. — While the uncertainty around SNAP benefits remain, restaurants in the bay area are making sure kids are getting fed.

Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor has free lunches for kids in need.

The restaurant is making as many bags as they need.

“Today, we’re doing Uncrustables, apples, juice boxes, granola bars,” said Rachel Fine Wilson, owner and founder of Gigglewaters.

“GiggleBags” are free to-go lunches for kids impacted by suspended SNAP benefits. The founder and owner Wilson said no purchase is necessary.

“I don’t know if it’s going to be busy or steady, but we’re committed to making sure everybody has one,” she said.

Wilson was inspired by her own life experience. She said that when she was a young adult, she was on food stamps for several months, which is why she said she wanted to help.

“I was embarrassed to use those, that felt awful, but I was hungry and I will never forget that feeling and I don’t want anyone else, especially kids, to have to feel embarrassed or hungry,” Wilson said.

Saturday was the first day of “GiggleBag” distribution, and Wilson said they handed out about 25 bags.

“It’s an easy decision, I know this is a complicated situation, but feeding a hungry kid isn’t complicated, give them food,” she said.

Gigglewaters has a history of giving back during times of need, but Wilson said this is the first time that about two dozen other restaurants were inspired to take part.

“It is an honor; it’s making me emotional, honestly. If you think you can do a little bit of good, you might be able to inspire other people to do the same and then the movement grows,” Wilson said.

No matter how long the SNAP disruption lasts, Wilson said they will find a way to keep kids full.

If a “GiggleBag” will help feed your child, Wilson is encouraging pick-ups between 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. but she said they are accommodating other times.