As we enter the 35th day of the government shutdown, SNAP benefits have lapsed, leaving 1.9 million Illinois residents in food insecurity. With nearly half of that number residing in Cook County, the city and surrounding suburbs are rallying to support those in need.
President Trump announced Tuesday that he will not reinstate SNAP benefits until the government reopens, despite being ordered by a pair of judges to use government contingency funds to do so.
In the meantime, Chicago Public Schools students will still receive free meals at school. Governor JB Pritzker also signed an executive order on October 30 directing $20 million in state funding to support food banks across Illinois.
Folks across the city and the suburbs are stepping up to provide support during this time in the form of free and discounted meals, volunteer services and monetary donations. Whether you’re in need of help or want to donate or volunteer, we’ve compiled a running list of the restaurants offering free and discounted meals, and how you can help.
Manny’s Deli / South Loop
Offer for SNAP recipients: This week, the Jewish deli is offering the first 300 people with proof of a SNAP card a sandwich (corned beef, turkey or pastrami), a potato pancake, pickles and a soft drink. Manny’s noted on Instagram that free meals can increase with donations, which are being collected via GoFundMe.
Address: 1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607
Deal hours: Mon, Sun 8am-3:30pm; Tue-Sat 8am-7:30pm
Gopuff
Offer for SNAP recipients: The delivery app is offering a $50 credit for SNAP-eligible items through November 30. Once your SNAP EBT card is added to your Gopuff account, use code SNAPRELIEF1 (from November 1-15) or SNAPRELIEF2 (from November 16-30) at checkout for $25 off, plus free delivery.
Kale My Name / Albany Park
Offer for SNAP recipients: Plant-based Kale My Name is offering any menu item with a side and soft drink for free from 3-5pm. No purchase is necessary, and no questions asked. The restaurant is collecting donations to cover the cost of each meal, which is about $11.
Deal hours: Daily 3-5pm
Address: 3300 W Montrose Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
October Cafe / Norwood Park
Offer for SNAP recipients: This year-round, fall-themed cafe is providing free tater tots, lemonade, a PB&J sandwich from 3-5pm each day. Water bottles are also available, and guests are welcome to dine in or take their meal to go.
Address: 6046 N Avondale Ave, Chicago, IL 60631
Deal hours: Daily 3-5pm
Wooden Paddle / Lemont and LaGrange
Offer for SNAP recipients: Suburban pizzeria Wooden Paddle is giving out free lunches through November at both of its locations. Just show your card to the staff, and they’ll hand you a free carry-out meal.
Address: 212 Stephen St, Lemont, IL 60439; 23 Calendar Ave, La Grange, IL 60525
Deal hours: Daily 11:30am-3pm
The StopAlong / Wicker Park and Logan Square
Offer for SNAP recipients: Through November 16, people who show their SNAP card and ID will receive a free 16-inch pizza at The StopAlong’s Wicker Park and Logan Square shops.
Address: 2210 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60647; 1812 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Deal hours: Tue-Sat 11am-10pm; Sun 11am-9pm
Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria / Andersonville, River North and Pilsen
Offer for SNAP recipients: Pregnant women and children can head to Penelope’s Vegan Taqueria for a free meal until SNAP and WIC benefits are restored. Kids can choose either fried potato and veggies tacos or quesadillas, plus rice, beans, corn and agua fresca, while expecting mothers can pick up a taco or enchilada meal with agua fresca.
Address: 5204 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640; 230 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60654; 1165 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Deal hours: Daily noon-9pm
Paulie Gee’s / Logan Square
Offer for SNAP recipients: With proof of SNAP and ID cards, Paulie Gee’s is offering a free kids' pizza per child. Furloughed employees can take advantage of the Monday special, any pizza, beer or soda, and a house shot for $17 with proof of government job identification.
Address: 2451 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Deal hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm; Fri 5-11pm; Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-10pm
CheSa’s Bistro / Avondale
Offer for SNAP recipients: Gluten-free Creole eatery CheSa’s Bistro is providing free hot meals and water bottles on Tuesday from 5-7pm. They are also accepting monetary donations through GoFundMe to cover the cost and provide more free meals.
Address: 3235 W Addison St, Chicago, IL 60618
Deal hours: Tue 5-7pm
Lou Malnati’s / Lawndale
Offer for SNAP recipients: In partnership with Lawndale Community Church, Lou Malnati’s is handing out $10 coupons that can be redeemed at the Lawndale location for a large deep-dish or thin-crust pizza until November 16.
Address: 3827 W Ogden Ave, Chicago, IL 60623
Deal hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11am-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10pm
Soul Food Lounge / North Lawndale
Offer for SNAP recipients: Soul Food Lounge is providing free food on Tuesdays. They are also raising money through GoFundMe to cover the cost of meals and to provide two local restaurants with $1,000 each to begin offering free meals during the SNAP benefit lapse.
Address: 3804 W 16th St, Chicago, IL 60623
Deal hours: Tue noon-3pm
Spoken Cafe / Ravenswood
Offer for SNAP recipients: Spoken Cafe is hosting a weekly supper, which is open to everyone. Guests are encouraged to pay what they can, but no one will be turned away. All proceeds and customer donations will go to food and social service Common Pantry.
Address: 1812 W. Montrose Ave, Chicago, Illinois 60613
Deal hours: Mon 6-8pm
Tazza Italian Ristorante / Homer Glen
Offer for SNAP recipients: Suburbanites can head to Tazza for free pasta, salad and bread with proof of a SNAP card. The restaurant will offer free food until funds are reinstated.
Address: 14065 S Bell Rd, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Deal hours: Tue-Thu 4:30-6pm
Watta Potato / Austin
Offer for SNAP recipients: In conjunction with their second anniversary celebration, Watta Potato is giving out free meals all day on November 8. Everyone is welcome and will be fed, but those who can purchase meals are encouraged to do so to support the small business.
Address: 5202 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60644
Deal hours: Nov 8 noon-9pm