Tag: SNAP assistance

Charlotte-area restaurants are stepping in to make sure families don’t go hungry as the government shutdown continues.

SNAP benefits were delayed for thousands of North Carolinians at the beginning of the month, but partial benefits are expected to be restored by the beginning of next week, The Charlotte Observer reported.

Meanwhile, thousands of federal employees, including TSA agents, law enforcement officers and military personnel, are being asked to keep working without pay, the Observer reported.

To lighten the load, several local eateries are offering free meals to those waiting on paychecks or much-needed benefits.

Here’s what you need to know.

Charlotte-area restaurants offering free food during shutdown, SNAP cuts

Choplin’s Restaurant

Where: 19700 One Norman Blvd, Cornelius, NC 28031

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4:30-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 4:30 -9:30 p.m.

Choplin’s Restaurant is offering free ready-to-eat meals to federal workers missing paychecks, no questions asked. Those in need can contact the restaurant by visiting choplins.com and clicking on “Contact Us.”

Cuzzo’s Cuisine

Where: 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28262

Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m.

Federal workers can get free meals by showing their federal IDs Tuesday through Thursday. The menu includes wings, baked macaroni and cheese, shrimp, rice, beans and raspberry chicken salad, plus a drink with each meal.

Jack’s Cafe & Wine Bar

Where: 153 E. White St. Unit B, Rock Hill, SC 29730

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m

Any child affected by SNAP cuts can get a free meal at Jack’s, no questions asked, the cafe announced on Facebook Wednesday. “Just walk in and say you’re here for the Kids Meal Program and we’ve got you,” the post reads.

Manolo’s Bakery

Where: 4405 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily

The bakery is offering free birthday cakes for federal workers, according to an Instagram post. Over the past 12 years, Manolo’s Bakery has given away more than 5,000 cakes through its Cake Project charity.

How to save on DoorDash

At the beginning of the month, DoorDash launched an Emergency Food Response amid the SNAP funding pause, which includes delivering 1 million free meals through 300+ food-bank partners and waiving delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders placed by SNAP recipients at participating stores.

To take advantage of the grocery-fee waiver:

• Link a valid SNAP/EBT card to your DoorDash account.
• Order from a qualifying retailer via the DoorDash app
• Use promo code SNAPDD during checkout.

There is a limit of one eligible order per customer, and the offer runs through November.

Do you or a loved one need help?

Check out our story on where to get help, including food assistance hotlines, food pantries and nonprofit information for Mecklenburg County.

For mental health resources during these uncertain times, check out the News & Observer’s mental health resource guide, which features information about immediate help during a mental health crisis, as well as help for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, children and families, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.

Want to help?

Check out the Observer’s guide to food banks in the Charlotte area to find out more about how you can donate.