Restaurants across North Carolina are stepping up in a big way for federal workers caught in the government shutdown and for those facing potential disruptions to food assistance.
As many as 1.4 million North Carolinians, including 143,000 in Mecklenburg County and 83,000 in Wake County, could see their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits delayed if the government shutdown continues, The Charlotte Observer reported.
Thousands of federal workers, including essential workers like airport screeners, law enforcement and military personnel, are also expected to work without pay during the shutdown, the Observer reported.
But some eateries are offering free meals to help ease the strain while families await delayed benefits and paychecks.
Here’s what you need to know.
NC restaurants offering free food during shutdown, SNAP cuts
Choplin’s Restaurant
Where: 19700 One Norman Blvd, Cornelius, NC 28031
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 4:30-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 4:30 -9:30 p.m.
Choplin’s Restaurant is offering free home replacement meals to federal workers missing paychecks, no questions asked. Those in need can contact the restaurant by visiting choplins.com and clicking on “Contact Us.”
Cuzzo’s Cuisine
Where: 9601 N. Tryon St., Suite F, Charlotte, NC 28262
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 11 a.m.–8 p.m.; Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sunday, 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Federal workers can get free meals by showing their federal IDs Tuesday through Thursday. The menu includes wings, baked macaroni and cheese, shrimp, rice, beans and raspberry chicken salad, plus a drink with each meal.
Chicken wings, fish and fries from Cuzzo’s Cuisine. Katrina Wilson CharlotteFive
Guglhupf
Where: 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707
Where: 1800 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Beginning Nov. 1, the restaurant and bakery will start offering a free loaf of bread to anyone who shows their EBT card in person. The offer is only available during normal business hours.
Jack’s Cafe & Wine Bar
Where: 153 E. White St. Unit B, Rock Hill, SC 29730
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m
Any child affected by SNAP cuts can get a free meal at Jack’s, no questions asked, the cafe announced on Facebook Wednesday. “Just walk in and say you’re here for the Kids Meal Program and we’ve got you,” the post reads.
Manolo’s Bakery
Where: 4405 Central Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205
Hours: Daily from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.
The bakery is offering free birthday cakes for federal workers, according to an Instagram post. Over the past 12 years, Manolo’s Bakery has given away more than 5,000 cakes through its Cake Project charity.
Victor Zelaya, a baker, or “pastelero,” at Manolo’s Bakery decorates a special-order cake for a 16th birthday on Tuesday, June 17, 2022 in Charlotte, NC. Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com
Ruby Sunshine
Where: 332 W. Bland St., Charlotte, NC 28203
Where: 12330 Johnston Rd., Charlotte, NC 28277
Hours: Sunday 7 a.m.-3 p.m.; Monday-Friday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.; Saturday 7:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Federal employees can get free meals of up to $20 at all Ruby Sunshine locations on weekdays through October.
How to save on DoorDash
Starting next month, DoorDash is launching an Emergency Food Response amid the SNAP funding pause, which includes delivering 1 million free meals through 300+ food-bank partners and waiving delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders placed by SNAP recipients at participating stores, the company announced Sunday.
To take advantage of the grocery-fee waiver:
- Link a valid SNAP/EBT card to your DoorDash account.
- Order from a qualifying retailer via the DoorDash app
- Use promo code SNAPDD during checkout.
There is a limit of one eligible order per customer, and the offer runs through November.
Do you or a loved one need help?
Check out our story on where to get help, including food assistance hotlines, food pantries and nonprofit information for Mecklenburg County, Wake, Durham, Johnston and Chatham counties.
For mental health resources during these uncertain times, check out the News & Observer’s mental health resource guide, which features information about immediate help during a mental health crisis, as well as help for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, children and families, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.
Want to help?
Check out the Observer’s guide to food banks in the Charlotte area and The N&O’s guide to food banks in the Triangle to find out more about how you can donate in your area.
Did we miss any North Carolina restaurants offering free meals during the shutdown? Let us know by filling out the form below!
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Evan Moore
The Charlotte Observer
Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.
