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As of this writing, we are still in the middle of a government shutdown, officially one of the longest shutdowns in history.
The government shutdown has affected the pay of federal workers, exempted government employees and military members. It has also effected safety net programs, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides food purchasing assistance to low and no-income individuals in families. Over 42 million Americans participate in SNAP, and over three million of those recipients reside right here in New York.
On October 30, Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency, committing an additional $65 million in new State funds for “emergency food assistance that will reinforce New York’s network of vital food bank and pantry partners and provide about 40 million meals to hungry New Yorkers.” This funding will be allocated to food banks, pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. On Friday, November 7, Hochul directed state agencies to fully fund SNAP benefits, even as the Trump administration has continued to push back on issuing full payments. As of this week, some New Yorkers have received funding, even as the future of the federal food aid fund hangs in the balance. In the interim, restaurants in our local community have stepped up to help.
Several restaurants around New York are providing free food for members of the community and hosting food drives in order to fill the gap. Below is a running list of local eateries that are providing assistance during this time.
- Aloha Alley: On Monday, November 24, Dumbo's Aloha Alley will be giving away 100 Chicken Teri platters starting at 11am. This is in collaboration with influencer Mike Schulte.
- Bel Aire Diner: On Monday, November 17, Astoria’s Bel Aire Diner will be giving away 100 meals starting at 5pm. This is in collaboration with influencer Mike Schulte.
- Charles Pan Fried Chicken: Twice a week, chef Charles Gabriel and Quie Slobert will be feeding the community of Harlem. Every Monday and Thursday, Charles Pan Fried Chicken will be giving away 200 meals each at St Joseph Church at 4pm and Abyssinian Baptist Church at 5pm.
- FieldTrip: Harlem’s FieldTrip location is on a continued mission to feed its community. From 11/10 to 11/14, the restaurant will be feeding the first 100 people to show up with their SNAP card. Accompanied children will also receive a bowl.
- Greenberg's Bagels: If you show your SNAP card at either Greenberg's Bagel location (in Bed Stuy or in the West Village) you will get a free bagel with cream cheese or butter and a hot coffee.
- Gunther’s: On Monday, November 10, Gunther’s will be giving away 100 bowls of soup starting at 4pm. This is in collaboration with influencer Mike Schulte.
- Kyo Brooklyn: On November 1, Kyo Brooklyn will be offering a complimentary croissant and drip coffee to anyone who shows their SNAP/EBT Card.
- Je t’aime Pâtisserie: Starting November 1, Bed Stuy’s Je t’aime Pâtisserie will be providing coffee, tea and a pastry if you show your SNAP/EBT card. You can also donate a breakfast to someone in need via the website.
- Prima: Brooklyn’s Prima is accepting shelf-stable donations starting Saturday. Every week, they will be donating goods to One Love Community Fridge.
- Welcome Home: Bed-Stuy bakery and coffee shop, Welcome Home is accepting non-perishable canned food items and baby products. All of the goods will be donated to John Wesley United Methodist Church’s food pantry.
We will be updating this list periodically. If you would like to be listed, please email [email protected]. Click here to find a local food bank in your area.