Chicago-Area Restaurants Offering Free and Discounted Meals to SNAP Recipients

Introduction to the Issue

People and families across the Chicago area who rely on SNAP food assistance to buy groceries are not getting their benefits as expected this month. Funding for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was initially frozen amid the government shutdown. As of Monday, the White House plans to send people half their normal benefits, but it’s unclear when they’ll arrive.

Community Response

Some Chicago restaurants are stepping in to feed their neighbors. At Kale My Name in Albany Park, anyone can get a free meal daily from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Watta Potato, is opening up its South Side potato joint for SNAP recipients on Nov. 8.

List of Participating Restaurants

Below is a list of restaurants offering free and discounted food. Many will ask you to present a SNAP card. If you know of a restaurant offer, please email us at tips@suntimes.com and use the subject line “SNAP Help.” We will add it to the list.

Chicago Restaurants

Canton Regio: The Pilsen restaurant at 1510 W. 18th St. is giving away free roasted chickens for SNAP recipients every Tuesday.
CheSa’s Bistro and Bar: The restaurant at 3235 W. Addison St. is providing free meals from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday.
Kale My Name: The plant-based restaurant at 3300 W. Montrose Ave. in Albany Park is offering free meals for those in need between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. every day.
Lou Malnati’s: Lawndale Community Church has partnered up with the pizza restaurant at 3859 W. Ogden Ave. to offer coupons for $10 pizza through Nov. 16.
Manny’s Delicatessen: The iconic deli at 1141 S. Jefferson St. is giving away food to the first 300 SNAP recipients every day in the first week of November. The meal includes a sandwich, a potato pancake, pickles and a soft drink.
October Cafe: SNAP recipients can receive a free meal every day between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. at 6046 N. Avondale Ave. in Norwood Park through November.
Paulie Gee’s: Children whose families’ SNAP benefits have been frozen can get a free kid-sized cheese pizza at 2651 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria: Children and expectant mothers can enjoy a free meal from all three locations of the vegan Mexican restaurant until SNAP is restored.
SoulFood Lounge: The North Lawndale restaurant at 3804 W. 16th St. will offer a free lunch every Tuesday from noon to 3 p.m.
Spoken Cafe: Every Monday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., this Ravenswood cafe at 1812 W. Montrose Ave. will host a community supper in a pay-what-you-can format.
The StopAlong: Get a free 16” pizza through Nov. 16 by showing a SNAP card and a valid ID at 2210 N. California Ave. in Logan Square and 1812 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park.
Watta Potato: The South Side potato joint at 5202 W. Washington Blvd. will offer free food to SNAP recipients on Nov. 8.

Suburban Restaurants

Tazza Italian Ristorante, Homer Glen: From Tuesday to Thursday each week, showing a SNAP card can get recipients free pasta, bread and salad at 14065 S. Bell Rd.
Wooden Paddle, LaGrange and Lemont: SNAP recipients can enjoy a free lunch the entire month of November.

Conclusion

The response from Chicago-area restaurants to support those affected by the SNAP benefits delay is a testament to the community’s resilience and compassion. These establishments are not only providing essential meals but also a sense of hope and support during a challenging time. As the situation with SNAP benefits continues to unfold, it’s heartening to see local businesses step up to help their neighbors in need.

FAQs

• Q: Which restaurants are offering free meals to SNAP recipients?
  A: A list of participating restaurants can be found in the article, including locations in both Chicago and the suburbs.
• Q: Do I need to show my SNAP card to receive a free meal?
  A: Yes, many restaurants will ask to see your SNAP card as proof of eligibility for their free or discounted meal offers.
• Q: How long will these offers be available?
  A: The duration of the offers varies by restaurant, with some providing meals throughout November and others on specific dates.
• Q: Can I suggest a restaurant that is offering free or discounted meals to SNAP recipients?
  A: Yes, please email tips@suntimes.com with the subject line “SNAP Help” to have the restaurant added to the list.