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As of this writing, the government shutdown is still in effect, quickly becoming the longest one in history, a title currently held by the shutdown that happened during the first Trump administration in December of 2018.
Federal workers and military members are affected by the current situation, which is made even more drastic by the fact that, as of November 1, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be suspended indefinitely, disrupting nearly 42 million Americans, over three million of whom reside right here in New York.
Yesterday, 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. As a relief, restaurants in our local community are stepping in to help as well.
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.
- 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.
- FieldTrip: On Monday, November 3, Harlem’s FieldTrip location is feeding the first 100 people to show up with their SNAP card. This is in collaboration with influencer Mike Schulte.
- 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 morgan.carter@timeout.com. Click here to find a local food bank in your area.