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As the government shutdown stretches on into its second month, restaurants across Chicago are stepping up to feed those hit by recent cuts to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. In the past few days, two federal judges ordered the Trump administration to fund SNAP during the shutdown. Then, on Monday, November 3, the president announced that payments will resume — but recipients will receive only half their usual amount.
The uncertainty has fueled small businesses across the country to step in and offer food to community members impacted by the potential cuts or loss of their benefits, including many in and around Chicago. The following local businesses are offering free or pay-what-you-can meals to help bridge the gap.
Did we miss a spot? Send tips to chicago@eater.com. This list will be continually updated.
ALBANY PARK — Vegan restaurant Kale My Name is giving out free meals with a soft drink daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Supporters can also contribute by purchasing a meal for someone in need. 3300 W Montrose Avenue.
AVONDALE — Gluten-free favorite Chesa’s will serve free hot meals from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday. Supporters can donate to the initiative through GoFundMe. 3235 W. Addison Street.
LAWNDALE — Chicago pizza chain Lou Malnati’s is partnering with Lawndale Community Church to provide free meals. Through Sunday, November 16, the church will distribute $10 coupons redeemable for a large deep-dish or thin-crust pizza.
LOGAN SQUARE — Paulie Gee’s Logan Square location will provide a free kids’ cheese pizza for children of SNAP recipients. 2451 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
NORTH LAWNDALE — The Soul Food Lounge in North Lawndale is serving free meals every Tuesday between noon and 3 p.m. Donations are being accepted via GoFundMe. 3804 W. 16th Street.
NORWOOD PARK — October Cafe will serve free meals daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. during the month of November. 6046 N. Avondale Avenue.
RAVENSWOOD — Spoken Cafe is hosting Community Supper Mondays each week from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The pay-what-you-can dinners are open to everyone and proceeds will benefit local food pantries. Each meal includes spaghetti and fresh bread, with gluten-free and vegan options available. 1812 W. Montrose Avenue.
SOUTH LOOP — Longstanding Jewish deli Manny’s is providing a sandwich (choice of corned beef, pastrami, or turkey), potato pancake, pickles, and soft drink to the first 300 SNAP recipients each day for the next week. The restaurant has set up a GoFundMe to help support the initiative. 1141 S. Jefferson Street.
VARIOUS — Stop by either of the StopAlong’s locations through Sunday, November 16, for a free 16-inch pizza, available for dine-in or carryout. 2210 N. California Avenue, 1812 N. Milwaukee Avenue.
VARIOUS — Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria is offering kids and pregnant women free meals from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Children will have the option of tacos or quesadillas with rice, beans, corn, and agua fresca, while mothers can choose between a tacos or enchiladas dinner with agua fresca. It will be available at all of the restaurant’s locations — Pilsen, River North, Andersonville. 1165 W. 18th Street, 230 W. Chicago Avenue, 5204 N. Clark Street.
VARIOUS — All through November, Wooden Paddle will provide free lunches for SNAP recipients between 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Supporters can donate to the lunch fund online. The suburban restaurant has locations in Lemont and La Grange. 212 Stephen Street in Lemont, 23 Calendar Avenue in La Grange.
HOMER GLEN — Suburban Tazza Italian Ristorante is offering pasta, salad, and bread to SNAP recipients from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday. 14065 S. Bell Road in Homer Glen.
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Jeffy Mai
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