The government has officially reopened and food stamp money is slowly making its way into accounts once again. The longest government shutdown in history left 42 million people at risk of food shortages. But amidst the struggle and fear surrounding whether or not there would be food on the table, one thing did emerge from the shutdown: community.
In Los Angeles alone, 940 food pantries operate year-round ready to help get food on the table for families in the area. Social media is full of posts getting the word out about food banks, fundraisers, and ways to get free groceries. Some restaurants are even offering free meals for those in need of food assistance. Influencers have also been chipping in to aid those affected by SNAP cuts, such as Cindy Mae (@cindymae.lv) sharing a $2700 grocery haul to help the Las Vegas community near her. Superstars have also been pitching in: The musician SZA partnered with Jon and Vinny’s to give 100 free meals per day, 4 meals per family from November 11th to 18th in Los Angeles.
Although immensely helpful, less discussed is how much someone’s diet has changed through this shutdown. Not that forty-three days of a different diet would make a tremendous difference in one’s life, but being able to afford the foods that resemble one’s cultural identity is important. Does that mean no shawarma or carne asada until the funds reach their accounts again?
Restaurants have responded to this issue by making their foods accessible to those who may crave a familiar meal and can’t access the ingredients to make it. Here is a list of cultural restaurants around the U.S. that are offering free meals for those impacted by SNAP cuts:
1. Zizou, a Moroccan French bar and restaurant in Los Angeles, is partnering with Café Maghreb, a Mediterranean and North African cafe, and the Koreatown Youth + Community Center (KYCCLA) to host a community dinner for SNAP support. The event willinclude a live DJ on Nov 21, 2025.
2. In Seattle, the Afro-Latin restaurant Lenoxwa is offering free meals daily from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. to community members in need of hot meals. Their captions reads: “just email, call, or text us and we’ll share what’s cooking that day”.
3. Aloha Alley in Brooklyn, known for its Hawaiian poke & BBQ, is partnering with Mike Schulte to give away 100 free hot meals on November 24th, starting at 11 a.m.
4. In San Francisco, Al Pastor Papi is giving away free meals on Saturdays for kids through the end of the year. Adults receive 50% off and are required to bring their EBT and ID card for eligibility.
5. Kale My Name, a vegan restaurant inspired by global eats in Chicago, is offering free meals for anyone in need every day from 3 to 5 p.m. — no questions asked. They are also asking other community members to help by giving them the opportunity to purchase a meal, at $11 per meal, for someone else who might need it.
6. Guieb Cafe, serving Hawaiian-based cuisine, is giving out free Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, Nov 26, 2025 starting at 4 p.m. until they run out. The program is running at both their Las Vegas and Hawaii locations.
7. Cheeni, known for their chettinad dishes in North Carolina, is giving away free meals to anyone who comes in. Those who do just need to ask for the “daily special”.
8. 360 eats is giving out free meals twice a week. You can find them at their food truck, MASA, known for their tacos. No requirements or limitations on the amount of meals per person were given. The restaurant is located in Tampa, Florida.
