As the government shutdown continues into its second month, restaurants across Chicago are stepping up to provide meals for those affected by the suspension of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The following local businesses are offering free or pay-what-you-can options to assist individuals affected across the city.
Chicago restaurants helping those hit by SNAP cuts
CheSa’s Bistro and Bar
Chesa’s, a southern-inspired bistro, will serve free hot meals every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. You can donate to the initiative through GoFundMe.
Address: 3235 W. Addison Street.
GoPuff
SNAP recipients can receive $50 off for SNAP-eligible grocery items and free delivery via GoPuff.
Kale My Name
Vegan staple Kale My Name is providing free meals to anyone affected by the SNAP cuts from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Address: 3300 W Montrose Avenue.
Lou Malnati’s
Lou Malnati’s is giving out $10 coupons through Sunday, November 16, to people who are food insecure through a joint program with the Lawndale Community Church, redeemable for a large deep-dish or thin-crust pizza.
Manny’s Delicatessen
The longstanding Jewish deli, Manny’s, is offering a corned beef, pastrami, or turkey sandwich, a potato pancake, pickles, and a soft drink to the first 300 SNAP recipients each day for the next week. You can donate to the GoFundMe to support the deli.
Address: 1141 S. Jefferson Street.
October Cafe
October Cafe will provide free meals from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. to SNAP recipients through November.
Address: 6046 N. Avondale Ave.
Paulie Gee’s Logan Square
SNAP recipients can receive a free kids’ cheese pizza. Furloughed employees can access their Monday special any time during any day of the week.
Address: 2451 N Milwaukee Avenue.
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria is offering free meals to kids and pregnant women from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday.
Children can choose between tacos or quesadillas with rice, beans, and corn, and mothers can choose between tacos or enchiladas for dinner, with agua fresca. The offer is available at all restaurant locations: Pilsen, River North, and Andersonville.
Spoken Cafe
Spoken Cafe hosts Community Supper Mondays each week from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. These 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.
Address: 1812 W. Montrose Avenue.
The StopAlong
SNAP recipients can receive a free 16-inch pizza with a SNAP card and ID through November 16.
Address: 1812 N Milwaukee Avenue.
Soul Food Lounge
The Soul Food Lounge in North Lawndale is serving free meals every Tuesday between noon and 3 p.m. You can donate to Soul Food Lounge via GoFundMe.
Address: 3804 W. 16th Street.
Wooden Paddle
Throughout November, Wooden Paddle will offer free lunches to SNAP recipients from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Supporters can donate to the lunch fund online.
Address: 212 Stephen Street in Lemont; 23 Calendar Avenue in La Grange.